LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Registered 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 2024 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as atthat date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS 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 Trustees who served durlng the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Rev. R N Orr Mr D.J. Patterson Mrs Clyde Mrs G Heywood Mr P Fulton Mrs L Buchanan PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Mrs E.W. Patterson Mr G King MrsA Miller Mrj Boyd Mrs Pjones Mrs E Keys Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev. R N Orr Mrs Clyde Mrs Clyde INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mrs Ashlene Henderson, 11 Millhaven, Sion Mills, Co. Tyrone BT82 9FG BANKERS Ulster Ban1(, 29 Abercorn Square, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, BT82 8AL SOLICITORS Babington, 74 Railway Street, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, BT82 8EQ
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENT The Ifirk Session The charity trustees of the congregation are the members of its Kirk Session. Underthe 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 connetted with any congregation who are wlthln Its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place in the congregation and seeks to furtherthe contribution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local community. The Kirk Session5 has delegated 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 Comrnittee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minlster and the rullng elders of the congregations. All members are entltled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except that the Moderator, the minister in act5ve duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a castin8 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 elder5hip in the congregatlon a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant on its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to the office can be either by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate oversight of a congregation Is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generallythe 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 {conYd) The General Assembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one bodythe whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, admlnistration and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted In the month of June for worship and to conduct its busines5. 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 actlve ministers of each congregation, retlred minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTIQN AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. Leckpatrick congregation of the Presbyterian Ch urch is a congregation of the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church In Ireland, a5 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 gift 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 commur]Ity. The congregation Gim5 to live out its Mission and Vision t7s afamily of God's people by being." A Covenant Community." where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by livingfaithfully toward him und toward one another An Intergenerational Community.. where adults intentionally tuke the lead to engage with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Christ. An Outward looking Community.. where we want the blessings of God that belong to us in the gospel to become blessingsfor others beyond the bounds of our community. As a congregution of the Presbyterian Church in IrelL7nd, we believe that the Bible is the supreme authority over all we do. and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, olong
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) with the L(7rger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key matters of Christianfaith and practice ACTIVITIES 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 meetin85, a weekly prayer meeting 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 Worship and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11.30am (10.30am duringjuly and August). We now have a combined Service with our linked congregation of Donagheady overthe summer months, altematlng July and August. Duringthe week the Bible Study provides an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to studythe scriptures and for a time of prayer. As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledged God's gift of new life at Sacraments of Baptism, we gave thank5 for faithful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31 December 2024 there were 254 communicant members and 164 families connected with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worship was 111, the same as in 2023. Pastoral care Member5 of the congregation who are unable to attend church dueto sickness 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 {conVd) 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 experiences and we have worked alongside the local Nursery school to try and support its intake. The Tuesday Club's programme of guest speakers on topics relevant to the health and welfare of the members has been open to the wider comrnunity to provide support and advice for those in later Ilfe. The organisations have also supported many charities overseas wlth some of our members going to Romania with the Smiles Foundation on a Mission Trip or by sponsoring children through Compassion UK. The congregatlon 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 denomlnational basls beyond what the congregation could do on Its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial support for rnission personnel at home and overseas, assists congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church plantlngl provides grant support for the upl<eep of church premises, assist with the running costs of Union Theological College, the Church's training college for rninistry students, and financially supports congregations in the areas of worshipi disclpleship, 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 TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Property During the year, general maintenance on the Church and Halls was carried out. The roof on the minor hall was insulated and the roof on the main hall was replaced and the walls insulated. The exterior of the Manse was painted. Organisations The Sunday school meets on Sunday Mornings from September to May with up to 50 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 meet on a Tuesday morning from 10.00am to 12.00pm with 50 children registered. 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 mlx together and enjoy structured playtime together while the parents or carers have the opportunlty to meet with each other. P.W, meets on the flrst 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 preSberlan charltles 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 Septemberto May with an outing at the end of the season. An average of approximately 22 retired people from the local area meet for a pro8ram 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 8 years old upwards.
LECKPATRICKCONGREGATION OFTHE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) The Girls Brigade meets weekly from September to April on a Monday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. There are 11 girls from Nursery to Pl in Tinies, 32 girls from P2 to P4 in Explorers, 18 gir15 from P5 to P7 in Juniors, 13 glrls from year 8 to year 10 in Seniors and 7 girls from Year 11 to year 14 in Brigadiers. a total of 81. Approximately 60% are not from our congregation but from the local area. There are 13 volunteer leaders and helpers. Funds are raised through membership fees and fund-raising activities such as quiz sheets. Several local and International Charitie5 are supported each year. The Boys Brigade meet each Tuesday from September to April, the Anchor Boys and Junlor Section from 6.30pm to 8.00pm and the Company Section from 7.30pm to 9.15pm with 7 volunteer leaders and helpers. There are a total of 31 boys between Anchor Boys, Junior Section and the Company Section. Funds are raised throu8h membership fees and special collections and donations. Donations are made to charity. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who glve freely of thelr tlme by seniln8 on committee5 and helping with organi5ations and other church activitles.
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 opportunlties for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework leads to practical expresslons of Christian beliefs and standards In the local community such as through the care of those in need (including the 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. Publlc 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 re8ular evaluation of the services and informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, thelr famllies, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only prlvate 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 charltable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, theirfamilies, other individuals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in direct and indirett contact with, the community In which pastoral services are provided and other communities throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which beneftt 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.
LECKPATRICK CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's maln source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 151 contributing families during the year {153 in previous year, 2023) donating a total of £62,875, (£64,959 in previous year, 2023). Total Income of the congregation during the year was £156,599, compared to £121,017 in the previous year. The income was boosted by fund raising events to pay for the new roof on the main Church Hall. Total expenditure increased from £111,152 In 2023 to £236,785 In 2024. The increased expenditure was due to the cost of replacing the main Church Hall roof and improvlng the insulation in both halls. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIE5 The Trustees are responsible for preparingthe 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 a55ets and liabilities. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's transattions 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 Ilth February 2025 and signed on its behalf by [Name] Q rt7&Q_ [Date] 11- Di. [Name] [Date] 11 ua .As 10