an SECOND BROUGHSHANE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES AINNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 inoluding a Balance Sheet as al that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Second Broughshan¢ Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 5 Raceview Road Broughshane BT42 4JL Registered Charity in Northern Ir¢land (NIC105379) CHAIIITY TRUSTEES Tlie Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the dale of this report were: Williatn Smyth Colin Kennedy Robei'l Clifford Ross Rev Jeffrey Blue John Maurice Ellis Robert Mccullough Reid Stephen Brian Livingston James Turtle Geoffrey Stirling Gavin Lowry Ivor Hutchinson John Kemohan Leonard Fenton tkirdre Humphreys John Purdy W. George Humphreys Samuel George Smyth Andrew Brown Kenneth George McGall Mark Beattie Colville James George Elliort Gordon David Rea lan Logan INDEPENDENT EXAMINER lan Jolinslon A.r.A. Stevenson and Wilson Chartered Accountants 22-30 Broadway Avenue Ballymena Northern Ireland BT43 7AA BANKERS Danske Bank Ballymena 1- 2 Ballymena Co. Anlrim BT43 7PE SOLICITORS Sainuel Cuinming & Son Solicitors 39 Linenhall Street Ballymena
an SECOND BROUGHSHANE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBITERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANINUAL REPORT (cont'd) STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirk Session The charily ttvstees of the congregation are th¢ members of ils Kirk Session. Under the congregation's governing document, The Code, the book of the constitution and government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Ihe Kirk Sessioii seeks to watch over and promolc the spiritual interest of the congregation and of persons not connected with any congregation who are within its bounds. It ensures pastordl care is in place in the congregation and seeks to furthei. the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local community. The Kirk Session has delegated to its Congrcgalional Conunittee the temporal affairs 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 meinbers are cntitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except that thc Moderalor, th¢ minister in active duty in the congi'egation, has no deliberative but only a casling vote. Staled meetings of the Kirk session are held at least 4 times per year. To be chosen for the office of lh¢ eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting membcr and a regular attendant at its ordinances. The selection of those propos¢d 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 forni of governance the coorate oversight of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of ihe congregalions assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. SKond Broughshane Presbyterlan Church has been assigned to the Ballymena Presbytery of the Presbyicrian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the active ministers of congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly* minsters who have I'etired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each con8regalion. Tlie General Assembly Tlie General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, administration and judicial authorily, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The Geiici'al Assembly is nonnally constituted during the first week in June for worship and to conduct its business. At the eiid of business it is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active Ininister of each congregation, retired minsters and a representatlve elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregalion.
an SECOND BROUGHSHANE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE Second Brough5bane Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyt¢rian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Refornied Church within th¢ wider body of Christ is grounded in the Scripiures. and exists to love and honour God through faith in His Son and by the power of His Spirit, and to ¢nable her members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission lo our world. The congregation's mission plan is outlined below: Second Broughshane is a congregation of approximately 340 families set in a village of about 1,500 houses, population circa 4,000. In line with General Assembly guidelines and following the pattern of Mission Plan outlined by Ballymena Presbytery the Kirk Session of Second Broughshane have adopted the following Congregalional Mission Plan. Recognising the command of our Lord Jesus Christ to"Go into the world and preach the Gospel" we would acknowledge our duty and responsibility to comply with that command. Following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus were the first lo 'GO' preaching the good news about Jesus Christ lo Jew and Gentile. Beginning at Jerusalem, a great many were convertcd lo Jesus Christ and "they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of brcad and prayer" (Acts 2.42). Furthennore, we note how "The Lord added to their iiumber daily those who were being saved., The command of Jesus and the pattern of the early church is our Biblical basis for Mission. Content for Mission As laught in the Shorter Catechism, "Man's primary purpose is lo glorify God and enjoy Him forever" In order lo glorify God we would desire to demonstrate God as revealed in the scripture. to proclaim His purpose and work as creator, and Sovereign Lord. to preach of His love for souls as is wonderfvlly announced in John 3..16 "For God so loved the world thal He gave His only Son that whosoever believ¢s in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Further to this we commend Jesus Christ, God's Son as Lord of all, the only red¢emer of God's elect. the one who came into the world to save sinners by means of His death upon the cross of Calvary. As risen Lord He has taken Hi5 place in glory awaiting the consummation of this present age and bringing in the final day of judgement as he Ushe in the new heaven and new earth where redeemed souls shall live forever in the presence of their Lord. Context for Mission In the days following Christ the apostles went about preaching and eslablishing the church. We note how the Apostle Paul founded a church in every town and village as he journeyed. Through his letters he has, by the Floly Spirit's wisdom and grace, given to the church the clear principles and patterns for church government. life and witness. We acknowledge that we are a part of the universal church of Jesus Christ situal¢d in the village of Broughshane with a responsibility to be the light of the world in this area and district. nolwithstanding the presence of sister congregations in the neighbourhood with whom we would Seek to work in hannony as opportunity allows. As Christ Jesus came into Ihe world so we believe that we are in the world as His ambassadors and it will be our prayer that we might be 'light and salt, as we live, work and witness here for the glory of God.
Presbyter an SECOND BROUGHSHANE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Contact for Mission As the church of Christ. it is our duty to reach out into the community where we are with ihe gospel. We must endeavour to make an irnpact for Christ in this locality. This requires the faithful ministry of the word of God through ihe various limbs of the congregalional body; connecting with the community in projects that minist¢r to it's needs. bringing all to God in consistent prayer. The early church shows us how to 'do ¢hurch'. (Acts 2.42-47) l. Their love for the word of God. (Apostles leaching) 2. Their enjoyment of Christian fellowship. 3. Their observance of the sacraments. 4. Their commitment to prayer. 5. Their concem for one another. 6. Their zeal for evangelism Our response: l. We commend, cherish and uphold the preaching and teaching of the Word of God as the primary tool of evangelism and the Tneans for building up Ihc body of Christ. 2. We want to encourage regular attendance at church seivices and are convinced that the local church is, under God, the ordained means for nurturing believers, training in g(xlliness and equipping for service. 3. Obsei'vance of the sacraments and participation in thc same is the solemn responsibility of Kirk Session. Those outside of the family of God should be discouraged from participation until they have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through spiritual new birth. Believers will be encouraged to particlpate in the Lords, Suppei. and to present children for baptism in keeping with the covenant promise of God. Session will exercise prayerful oversight at all times being gracious and mei'ciful in matters of discipline as may be required. 4. Prayer is an essential part of Christian life both peOnallY and corporately. Every effort will be made to encourage Christian people to meet for prayer. It is a blessing to share in prayer with others, sharing burdens, praying for the lost of our distt'ict and upholding the work of God's kingdom at home and overseas. 5. Not only would we want to have a practical concern for all our members, but we consider it a vital part of church responsibility to be concerned for those in our community who have personal needs. We must endeavour to look out and reach out to the stranger at our door, who might even be the person next door. to whom we can bring help both practically and spiritually. We want to recognise the importance of social a¢lion and care. 6. Evangelism is a necessary part of the church. indeed. every Christian is an evangelist. We must carry the gospel with us as witnesses for Christ always ready to give a reason for Ihe hope that is in us. Zeal for evangelism is the fruit of our joy of salvation in Christ.
an SECOND BROUGHSHANE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) The basic work of the Christian church is to preach or share the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. and to see peopl¢ Converted. transfornied and growing to maturity in that gospel. J¢sus said, "Go and make disciples" We need to be pro-active in this task of making disciples. We are to carry the torch of tNth that has b¢¢n hand¢d down through generations. Sharing the gospcl by word and deed is our centt'al task in our homes, neighbourhood and church. Our goal for God is that we would make disciples who are genuine follower5 of Jesus Christ, and not merely be anxious about numbers attending. Wliat we are doing: • Youth organisations for all the community: Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Youth Club, Youth Fellowship {sfEDI Children's work includes Seniors Sunday School, Kid's church, Kids Corner (Sunday evenings) and Summer l.loliday Bible club, Junior Christian Endeavour. Organisalions for adults Bible Study Groups P.L.A.Y. Mother and Children's gmup, drawing from the village and district area. Young Adults, . The Cornerstone: 'caf¢' style coffee morning is an open door to welcome all an outreach to the neighbourhood. A 'Care Team, provides contact with ¢onfin¢d elderly members and brings meals to families in times of illness or pressure. Ai) annual 'Funday' attracts large numbers from the community, an opportunity to share our Christian friendship and faith. and to invite to church services, organisations and events. 'Messy Church, on a Sunday before Christmas contacting families in the area and is very well sUPPOrted. Our future plans: We aim to develop fresh ways of reaching out to the local community through visitations and by means of events intended to invite ai)d attract more people to 'come and see for themselves. that the church is active today and the gospel is both meaningful and relevant for all. While recognising that our primary work rests within the context of our local church selting, we nonetheless believe wholehcartedly in the work of mission ai largc. We will seek to encourage support and actively be involved in woi'ldwide mission. Opportunities prevail for short-terni mission teams and there is much to commend these. It is however our prayer that God will be pleased to call and use some from our congregation in the greater service of mission overseas as a vocation. It is an honour for a congregation to be the 'sending church, and to be active in support of those who 'go' in God's name to do His work. To His great name be all praise honour and glory.
an SECOND BROUGHSHANE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on several occasions during the year and all those who have been bapti5ed 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 wid¢ rang¢ of orgaiiisations and activities including: Sunday School, Children's Church. Kids Corner (Sunday evenings) and Summer Holiday Bible Club Bowing Club Girls Brigade Boys Brigade Young Adults Junior Christian r.ndeavour Sunshine Hour (for oldei. people) Women Together Just Sew (sewing group) Bible Study Gi'oups P.L.A.Y.- Mother and Children's group. 'rhe Cornerstone.. '¢afe' style coffee morning is an open door to welcome all and is an outreach io the neighbourhood. Annual'messy Church" Annual summer"Funday" More details are shown in the "Organisations" section of this report. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation were very glad that 2023 represented the fwst full year since Covid when worship and organi5ations were able to return largely to nomial. 11 also represented the first full year of ministy and service of our new ministei., Rev Jeffrey Blue, who had been installed in August of the previous year. Rev Blue has been very faithful and committed in promoting the advancement of the good news of the gospel within our congregational context. Worship services are held both on Sunday mornings and evenings and a mid-week teaching and prayer meeling is held on Wednesday evenings. A highlight of the year was a united teaching week at Easter time when 3 other local congregations joined wilh us to celebrate and learn from the Easter message. Our special speaker was the Rev Dr Staffoiyl Carson. I marriage was conducted during the year and comfort and support was provided to those bereaved. At 31 December 2023 there were 237 communicant members and 335 families connectcd with the congregation. Pastoral care Member5 of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are visited on a regular basis by the minister or one of the elders and supported by members of the congregation. The congregation also has a pastoral visltor who makes contact through weekly telephone calls to the sick and housebound.
Presbyter an SECOND BROUGHSHANE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Mission and outreach At a local level the congregation acknowledg¢ that we are part of the universal church of Jesus Christ situated in the villag¢ of Broughshane with a responsibility to be the light of the world in this ar¢a and district; notwithstanding the presence of sister congregations in the neighbourh(x)d with whom we would seek to work in harniony as opportunity Ilows. The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyierian Church in lirland. This fund enables congregations to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do misslon and outreach on denominational basis beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial support for mission persoT]nel at home and overseas. assists congregalions with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant support for the upkecp of church premises, assist with the running costs of Uiiion Theological College, the Church's training college for ministry students, and fmancially supports congregation in the areas of woi'ship, disciplesliip. global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. Th¢ congregation made fanCial contributions towards a number of different missionary organisations and mission personnel throughout the year. The congregation regularly prays for these organisalions at Sunday services and the midweek prayer meeting. Missionaries from the congregation are currently servtng with Hamsayeh International. The congregation is inforn]ed of their work through regular updates in written fom and through updates given in church services. Young people from the congregation usually serve on mission teams in the summer months both at home and overseas. Presbytery The congregation was represented al the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and l or one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider stru¢tures of the cljurch. General Assembly The minister along with the representative elder attended the General Assembly in Belfast in June. Property The church building is in reasonable repair; the hall is in good repair. Organisations Youth Organisations for all the community: BB for boy5 from 5 - 18 years. approximately 80 boys attend weekly GB for girls from 4 - 18 years. approximately l 00 girls atteThd weekly Youth Fellowship for young people aged I l upwards. approximately 15 attend fortnightly Childi'en's work includes Children's Church; Senior Sunday School and Bible Class. Also, Kids Corner (Sunday evenings)- Summer Holiday Bible Club and Junior Christian Endeavour. Organisations for adults including Bowling Club. Women Together, Young Adults and Just Sew. Bible Study Groups
Presbyter an SECOND BROUGHSHANE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) P.L.A.Y. - Mother and Children's group, drawing from the village and district area. Approximately 30 children wilh parentlguardian attend. A 'Care Teatn, provides contact with Con[ed elderly members and brings meals to families in times of illness or pressure. An annual ' Funday, altracts large numbers from the community, an opportunity to share our Chrislian friendship and faith, and to invite to church s¢rvices, organisations and events. 'Messy Church" on a Sunday befo Christmas contacting families in the area which is very well supported. Volunteers The Trustees wish to a¢knowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on coinmittees and helping with organisations and other church aclivities. PUBLIC BENEI FIT 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, I'he direct benefils which flow from Ihc purposes of the Church include the gaining of an understanding in Christian belicfs as sel out in the Bible and in the Church's subordinate standards (Ihe Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Calechisrns) leading lo spiritual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this frainework leads to practical expressions of Christian beliefs and standards in ihe local community siich as through the care of those in need (including the sick, disabled and bereaved). Generally, the above benefits are delivercd locally by congregations and their Inembers, or are facilitated through pi'esbyteries or are organiscd and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facilitated by central resources in almost all cases. )Iiblic access is madc known through thc use of Iioticeboards, printed materlal, press advert15ement, w¢bsile5, and social media or in other ways. 'll]e bei)cfits are demonstrated tIough regular evalualion of the services and infomial and ad-hoc feedback fi[n members, their families, and meinbers of the public. The purpose does nol lead to ham. The only private benefit flowing from oui. purpose is related to Mini5ter5, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive bcnefLts as a result of their holding olCe or employment. However, this is incidental and necessary in order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private bencfils. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, their fainilies, 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 communities ihroughout Northem 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 Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions public benefit requirement statutory guidance.
an SECOND BROUGHSHANE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congr¢gation's tnaiTJ source of incom¢ is members, contributions ihrough the Weekly Frecwill Offering. There were 231 contributors during the year [221 in previous y¢ar. 2022] donating a total of £135.090 (£116,121 in previous year, 2022). Total income of the congregation durin8 the year was £286.164 cornped to £231,703 in the pr¢vious year. Total expenditure was £277,539 compared £270,081 in 2022. 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 generally accepted accounting practice. The Trustees are required to prepare fmancial statements foi. each financial year which give a true and fair view of the slale of affairs of the congregalion and the financial a¢livities for that year. In preparing the financial statements the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. and make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. and prepare the fanCIal Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Funds will continue in opci'ation. The 1'rustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records ihat are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any timc its financial position and enable them to ensuit that the financial statements comply with the Sialement of Recommended Practice"Accounling and Repoiting by Charities ( 1st January 2015)" They are also responsible for safeguarding Ilie assets of Ihe congregation and hence for takin8 reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Going Concern The activities of the congregation are dependent on on-going 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 suppoit from members to fund, on an on-golng basis. the congregation's current aclivities and oiher financial commitments. Reserves Policy The Trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold, taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It is the aim of the Trnstees to hold unrestrtcted reserves equating to at least three months nonnal expenditure. At Ihe year-end unrestricted reserves were £89,807 which is well in keeping with this policy. The Trustees
an SECOND BROUGHSHANE CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBITERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) consider it prndent to hold reserv¢s at this level as the funding of its Current activities is dependent on the ongoing financial support of its member5. Risk Review A review of major rlsks has been undertaken by the Trustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage identified risks. The principal risks are in relation lo the likelihood of reputational damage and financial I'isks associated with lh¢ expectation of on-going financial support from members. These risks are miligated by the 'frustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring the vaTiOUS activities of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging members in their regular giving. Approved by the Kirk Session al a meeting on 18 June 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Name: Rev Jefftey Blue Name: Ivor Hutchinson (Clerk of Session) Dale.. Date: Signature: Signature: 10