Ballykelly Presbyterian Churth a Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees Annual Report and Receipts and Payments Accounts for the Year ended 31" December 2023 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland NIC 105545 Trustees Annual Report The Trustees present thelr Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31st December 2023 including a statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. Reference and Administrative Details Ballykelly Presbyterian Church a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC 105545) 26 Main St Ballykelly BT49 9HS Charity Trustees The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were; Rev Philip Houston Mr Robert Craig Mr Hugh Mc Collum Miss Audrey Neill Mr Gerald Miller Mrs Marlene Kelly Mr lan Conn Mr lan Gault
Ballykelly Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees Annual R_eport conyd Principal Office Bearers Minister Rev Philip Houston Clerk of Session Miss Audrey Neill Treasurer Mrs Rhonda Mc Clelland Independent Examiner Mrs Irene Miller Bankers Danske Bank 46 Catherine Street, Limavady, BT49 90N Ulster Bank 30-32 Catherine Street, Limavady, BT49 9DB Solicltors RG Connell & Son 13 Main St Limavady BT49 OEP
Ballykelly Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees Annual Report convd Strurture and Management 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 community. The Kirk Session 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 and 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 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 in February, April, June, September and December. 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 elerted 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 generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregation assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Ballykelly congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Derry and Donegal Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Irelan
Ballykelly Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees Annual Report convd The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the attive ministers of congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly, ministers who have retired from active duty and an elder of 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 atting as its supreme legislatNe, administration and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The general Assembly Is normally constituted during the first week in June for worship and to condutt its business. At the end of business, it is dissolved. The membership of the General assembly consists mainly of the active ministers of each congregation, retired ministers and a representatNe elder appointed by the rk Session of each cOngretion. Descrlption and Purpose The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. Ballykelly 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 Congregations mission purposes is: by the grace of Almighty God to help people of all ages become fully devoted followers of Jesus christ.our vision is, by the grace of God, to be an inclusive: welcoming community of Christ's people of all ages, which; Is increasingly characterised by love for God, and love and concern for others. Is committed to the historic Christian gospel as revealed in the Bible which is relevant to people of this time and place. The congregation seeks to live out its mission objettives and vision by being; A Covenant Communlty; where our relationships are founded in the promises of God by being faithful toward him and one another.
Ballykelly Congregation of the Presbyterfan Church In Iland Trustees Annual Report convd An Intergenerational 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 want the blessings of God that belong to us in the gospel to become blessings for others beyond the bounds of our community. As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, we believe that the Bible is the supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of faith, along with the Larger and Shorter catechisms set out what we understand the bible teaches on key matters of Christian faith and prattice. Activlties and Objectlves The congregation meets for worship every Sunday with anyone welcome to come alon& The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is observed four times during the year. During the year services take place for members of the Deaf, Community with a signer. Community events are hosted during the year. There are a number of organisations which meet namely; Sunday School Boys Brigade Girls Brigade Bowling Club pw Home Group Prayer & Praise Youth at The Manse Seniors Lunch Club Bible Class Little Wonders Achievements and Perforniance
The congregation meets for worship each Sunday morning at IL30am (earlier as announced during July and August). Ballykelly Congregation of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland Trustees Annual Report convd A more informal family service takes place genèrally on the third Sunday of each month. Services in Ballykelly are five-streamed to aid those who are unable to attend in person. Services are led by Rev Philip Houston or visiting speakers from time to time. We have had 8 infants baptised in the past year and l on profession of faith. When the arcumstances arose, we gave thanks for frdithful service and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31st December 2023 there were 356 persons on the Communion Roll and 233 families claiming a connettion to the congregation (approL 731 people). The average attendance at morning worship was 125 for morning services and 20 for evening Prayer and Praise. Pastoral Care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to ill health or age are visited on a regular basis by the minister and the elder who has been allocated to the distrlct where they reside. Mission and Outreach At a local level the congregation has supported various missions. By giving to Earl Hai8 Memorial Fund, Presbyterian Children's Society, Ukraine Moderators Appeal, European Mission Fellowship, PW Mission and Stand by Me. The congregation fully 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 congregations with the deployment of locally based
staff, enables church plantin& provides grant support for the upkeep of church buildings, assists with the running costs of Union Theological College, and financially supports congregations in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. In 2023 £9238 was donated to United Appeal. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of the Derry & Donegal Presbytery by our minister and representative elder. This provides an important link between the congregation and the wider structures of the church. Property With the building of a new suite of halls completed in September 2013 only minor repairs and maintenance were required in 2023. Repairs to the Meeting House were undertaken costing £2640 and pathways £1080. Organisations All organisations that were disrupted due to the Covid-19 restrictions in 2021 have been in operation since 2022. The Sunday School meets before Sunday morning worship. They recommenced mid September. The term runs until the beginning of June and then a Summer break is taken during July and August. Sunday School provides basic teaching to what the Bible, and following Jesus, is about. Circa 75 children are on the register. Bible Class Also meets before morning worship on a Sunday for teenagers. 7 young people were present who were taught about the bible, requirements for church membership and communicant preparation. 5 young people attended pre-communion classes with Rev Houston and 4 adults.
Ballykelly Congregatlon of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees Annual Report convd Glrls Brigade Meet on a Tuesday night from 6.30pm for ages from 4 to 17. There is a Captain and 12 leaders (5 officers and 7 associates) along with a number of helpers who assist from time to time. Many activities are carried out durlng the year induding awaytrips and having guest speakers. The year normally begins In Sept and ends In April. 49 girls attend. Boys Brigade Meet on a Friday from 6.30pm for ages 4 to 17. There is a Captain and 9 leaders along with a number of helpers who assist from time to time. Many artivities take place durln8 the year including away trips and having guest speakers. The year normally begins in Sept and_ ends in April. There were 40 boys on the register. PW Presbyterian Women Meets 6 times normally during the year with 50 ladies approx. on the role. It Is both for a Christian focus and also fellowship. The evenings are varied with guest speakers. It is made up of a leader and a committee and affiliated to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Bowllng Club Has around 30 mernbers and is a member of the Limavady and District Indoor Bowling League. It meets on a Monday night and Wednesday nights for practice or matches. It is community based in that anyone can join. tt is made up of a Captain and committee. Seniors Lunch Club Meets monthly from Ortober to May and around 12 persons from the church and local community attend. Athree-course lunch is provided and also a speaker or suftable entertainment. The meal is cooked and served by members of the church.
Ballykelly Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Trustees Annual Report convd Youth at The Manse Meets on a Sunday evening twice per month. Around 15 teenagers attend for fun, fellowship and learning about Jesus, call on their lives. Some guest speakers also come along. Little Wonders Parents or carers bring their tots to this safe and engaglng space in our church - hall. There is free play, craft, singing and snacks. 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 artivities. Publlc Benefft Statement The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefft requirement by providing benefft 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 benefrts which flow from the purposes of the Church include the gaining of an understanding in Christian beliets 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 leads to practical expressions of Christian beliets and standards in the local community such as through the care of those in need (including the sick, disabled and bereaved). Generally, the above benefrts 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 noticeboards, printed material, press advertisement, websites, and social media or in other ways.The Benefits
are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the servlces and Informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their families, and members of the publlc, 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 beneffts 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 beneficlaries of this purpose are members, their families, other Individuals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in dirert 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 engagernent with and support for both Christian and other secular organisations, charities and individual members of the publlc. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefft requirement statutory guidance. Financial Review The congregation's main source of income is our members contributlons through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 233 families claimin8 an association with the church (238 in the previous year 2022). 200 of these families contributed to various congregational funds throughout the year. The total income for the year was £163494 (£140936). The total expenditure for the year was £109798 (£113423). The Church held cash funds at the year end of £184226 (£130,530). GIF and RBS share investments were valued at £29389 (£33363). 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 prartice. 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. 10
Ballykelly Congregatlon of the Presbyterfan Church In Ireland Trustees Annual Report cont'd The Trustees are responsible for keeplng adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's transactlons and dlsclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any tlme its financlal posltion. 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 Kirk Session at a meeting on 19th May 2024 and si8ned on its behalf by Name: Re Phll Houston Name: Audrey Neill Date Ir 0,1 2014 Date .29 io-Z44* 11