LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Reglstered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC105539)
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Leckpatrick congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 40 Berryhill Road, Artigarvan, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, BT82 OHN Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105539) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustee5 who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Rev. R N Orr Mr D.J. Patterson Mr S Clyde Mrs G Heywood Mr P Fulton Mrs E.W. Patterson Mr G Kin8 Mrs A Miller Mrj Boyd PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev. R N Orr Mr S Clyde Mr S Clyde INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mrs A5hlene Henderson, 11 Millhaven, Sion Mills, Co. Tyrone BT82 9FG BANKERS Ulster Bank. 29 Abercorn Square, Strabane. Co. Tyrone. BT82 8AL SOLICITORS Babington, 74 Railway Street, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, BT82 8EQ
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) STRUCTURE 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 congregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local community. The Kirk Sessions 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 Session are ex-officio members of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the congregations. 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 at least 4 times in each year or as appropriate. To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation 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 congregation 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. Leckpatrick congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Derry and Donegal 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, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation.
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) The General Assembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representin8 in one body the whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, administration and judicial authority, in dealing with all matter5 brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted in the month of June for worship and to conduct its business. It is constituted on a Wednesday, and then closed on the Saturday afternoon. 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 Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. Leckpatrick congregation of the 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 grounded in the Scriptures, and exists to love and honour God through faith in His Son and by the power of His Spirit, and to enable her members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregation's mission purpose is to exist to see Jesus, name glorified in all we do. We want to tell others about God's transforming Eift of salvation through our preaching and in the demonstration of the loving welcome that Jesus had towards others. We are committed to encouraging everyone to grow deeper in their faith and to demonstrate that in their homes, in their places of work and throughout the community. The congregation aims to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God's people by being.. A Covenont Community.. where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by livingfaithfully toword him and toward one another An Intergenerotional Community.. where adults intentionally take the lead to engage with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Christ. An Outward looking Community." where we wont the blessings of God that belong to US in the gospel to become blessings for other5 beyond the bounds of our community. As a congregation of the Pre5byteriun Church in Irelc7nd, we believe that the Bible is the supreme outhority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, along
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key matter5 of Christian fuith and practice AcfiviTIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed normally on two or three 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 School Mums and Tots P.W. (Presbyterian Women) Tuesday Club Bowling Club Girls Brigade Boys Brigade ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worshlp and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11.30am (10.30am during July and August). We now have a combined service with our linked congregation of Donagheady over the summer months, alternatingjuly and August. During the week the Bible Study 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 services during the year we acknowledged God's Bift of new life at Sacraments of Baptism, we gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31 December 2023 there were 261 communicant members and 177 families connected with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worship was 111. This was an increase from 82 in 2022 as the impact of Covid-19 reduced. Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to 5ickne55 or age are visited on a regular basis by the minister, elders or by one of the congregation's pastoral visitors.
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Mission and outreach At a local level the congregation works locally through the organisations of the church in outreach to the community. Many of those attending the organisations come from outside our church fellowship with Mums and Tots continuing to reach out to the wider community, to those of faith and no faith. It has been a safe place for Parents to come and share their experience5 and we have worked alongside the local Nursery school to try and support its intake. The Tuesday Club's programme of guest speakers from organisations such as Policing partnership, and Diabetes UK has been open to the wider community to provide support and advice for those in later life. The organisations have also supported many charities over5ea5 With some of our members going to Romania with the Smlles Foundation on a Mission Trip or by sponsoring children through Compassion UK. The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission 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 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 congregation5 With the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, 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. The congregation also contributes to the denominations annual World Development Appeal, and many other special appeals.
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Property During the year, general maintenance on the Church and Halls was carried out, the roof on the garage and kitchen at the Manse was refurbished. Organisations The Sunday school meets on Sunday mornings from September to May with up to 40 children attending aged from 4 to 16 years of age. Funds are raised through special collections and sponsored events such as Breakfasts and used to support children through the Presbyterian Childrens Society and Compassion UK. There are 16 volunteer leaders and helpers who take Sunday school on a rota basis. Mums and Tots rneet on a Tuesday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm with 50 children registered. Babies up to 18 months of age attend weekly and older children attend on alternate weeks. There are 10 volunteer helpers and leaders. Many of the children attending are not from our own congregation but from the surrounding area. The children, depending on age are enabled to mix together and enjoy structured playtime together while the parents or carers have the opportunity to meet with each other. P.W. meets on the first Thursday of each month from September to April with a Saturday outing in November. There is an average attendance of 25 ladies. The group supports Presbyterian charities in Ireland and globally as well as Sponsoring 2 children in Africa. Catering is provided after church funeral services. The Tuesday Club meets once per month on the 3rd Tuesday from 2,30pm to 4.30pm from September to May with an outing at the end of the Season. An average of approximately 22 retired people from the local area meet for a program of games and speakers. The Bowling Club meet on Wednesday nights on a weekly basis from mid-September to mid-April. Membership age ranges from 10 years old upwards.
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) The Girls Brigade meets weekly from September to April on a Monday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. There are 10 girls from Nursery to Pl in Tinies, 34 girls from P2 to P4 in Explorers, 21 girls from P5 to P7 in Juniors, 12 girls from year 8 to year 10 in Seniors and 7 girls from year 11 to year 14 in Brigadiers, a total of 84. 60% are not from our congregation but from the local area. There are 12 volunteer leaders and helpers. Funds are raised through membership fees and fund-raising activities such as quiz sheets. Several local and International Charities are supported each year. The Boys Brigade meet each Tuesday from September to April, the Anchor Boys and Junior Section from 6.30pm to 8.00pm and the Company Section from 7.30pm to 9.15pm with 6 volunteer leaders and helpers. There are 18 boys aged 5 to 8 years old in the Anchor Boys, 8 boys aged 8 to 11 years old in the Junior Section and 6 boys aged 12 to 18 years old in the Company Section. Funds are raised through membership fees and special collections and donations. Donations are made to charity. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees and helping with organisations and other church activities.
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit to its members and the general public by making known the Christian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion. The direct benefits which flow from the purposes of the Church include the gaining of an understanding in 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) leading to spiritual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework lead5 to practical expre55ion5 of Christian beliefs and standards in the local community such as through the care of those in need (including the sick, disabled and bereaved). Generally, the above benefits are delivered locally by congregations and their members, or are facilitated through presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facilitated by central resources in almost all cases. Public access is made known through the use of notice boards, printed material, press advertisement, websites, and social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their families, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose is related to Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits as a result of their holding office or employment. However, this is incidental and necessary in order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, their families, other individuals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in direct and indirect contact with, the community in which pastoral services 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 Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory gutdance.
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 153 contributing families during the year {150 in previous year, 2022) donating a total of £64,959,1£57,946 in previous year, 2022). Total Income of the congregation during the year was £121,017, compared to £106,509 in the previous year, when activities were starting to recover from Covid-19 restrictions. Total expenditure increased from £98,667 in 2022 to £111,152 in 2023 as the Church and Halls returned to a rnore normal usage and operation after the Covid-19 restrictions and some further work was carried out at the manse. 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. As the congregation's total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section 64{3) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 208 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and liabilities. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 20th February 2024 and signed on its behalf by [Datel 10