an CLOUGH CONGREGATION OF THE PREsBERIAN CIIURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended )1 December 2023 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at thai date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Clough Congregation of the Presberian Church in Ireland. COespOndenCe address.. 48 Springmount Road. Glarryford. Ballyrnen Co. Antrim. B T44 9RB. Registered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC105560). CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trvstees at the date of this r¢port were: Mr Stanley Alexander Mr Robin Che Mr Jack Compton Mr Lyle Cubitt Mr Sammy Currie Mr lan Ferguson Mr Raymond Frew Mr George Gregg Mr Ross Humphrey Mr lan Johnston Mr Robin Johnston Rev David Mcmillan - resigned 3 1st December 2023 Mr James Mcwilliams Mr Harold Richmond Mr Alex Waide Mr Geoff Wylie .PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister.. Convenor.. Clerk of Session: Tre&surers'. Rev David Mcmillan - resigned 31 St December 2023 Rev Trevor Kane - appointed l $1 January 2024 Mr lan Johnston Mr Wallace Gregg & Mr Alan Finlay INDEPENDENT EXAMINER James GillLSPLe (F.C.A.) Stevenson and Wilson Chartered Accountants 22-30 Broadway Ave, Ballymena. BT43 7AA. BLYKERS Danske Bank l Broadway Avenue, Ballymena. BT43 7PE.
CLOUGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH KN 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 Presbjterian Church in Ireland, the Kirk Session seeks to watch over and promoie the spiritual interest of Ihe 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 KiTk Session has delegaied to its Congreuyational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation including administering fimds (excluding those specifically under session s control) and property belonging io the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-officio members of the cOngreglOnal Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the congregation. All members are entitled to prop05e. speak and exercise equal voles at meetings. except that the Moderalor. the ministers in active duty in the congregation. has no deliberdtive bul only a Casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held al le&st six tirnes in each year. To be chosen for the office of ihe 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 vole. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland foTm of governance the corporate oversight of a congregation is Ihe responsibility of a preSbery which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it bv the General Assembly of the Presbylerian Church in Ireland. Clough congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Ballymena Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consisls 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. The General Assenibly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representing in one body the whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, administrdlion and judicial authority, in dealing with all matter5 brought before it. The General Assembly is nornially constituted during the fwst week in June for worship and to conduct 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 minster5 and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each ongregation.
an CLOUCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES AI¥NUAL REPORT (cont'd) DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. Clough congregation of the Presb)terian Church is a congregation of ihe Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Refom]ed Church th'ithin the wider body of Christ is grounded in ih¢ Scripfllres, and exists to love and honour God througb faith in His Son and by the power of His Spirit, and to enable ber members to play their part in fvlfilling God's mission to our world. The congregation s mission statement is as follows: Cloutsh Presbyterian Church exists to propagate the Christian faith I religion in the village of Clough, Co. Antrim. The Spirital vitaliry and the material I social wellbeing of the local community are of paramount concem to the Trustees. As those who have subscribed to the Westminsier Confession of Faith. the Trustees seek to promote a culture where God is glorified. honoured and enjoyed - both in word and deed. Furthemiore, the Kirk Session seeks to provide a wami. caring and pastordlly-5ensilive environment for the entire family. The family can, as a unit, experience the privilege of worshipping together at our staled services. In addition. there is a number of youth organisations that seek to enhance the educational, sporting and social skills of the children and teenagers entrusted to our care. In short, Clough Presb>Yerian Church is a God-centred, community-based and family orientated community of Christians. ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrameni of the Lords Supper w&8 observed on two occasions (May and October) 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. In May 2023, we welcomed two new members who had received membership training from the Rev. Mcmillan. The congregation holds rebiular bible study meetings and has a wide rdnge of organisations including: Sunday School Indoor Bowing Club Boys, Brigade Girls, Brigade Connect Junior Christian Endeavour Choir Youth@Clough
an CLOUGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAIY CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation meets for worship each Sunday at l? noon ( I lam July & August) and 7pm October to April. Crèche 15 provided for pre-school children during morning worship and otheT children up to ihe age of eight leaving the main chuTch during the servic¢ for children's church. During the week the Mid-week Prayer and Bible Study provides an oppormnity for members to meet togelher 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 gift of new life at six Sacraments of Baptism, togLthcr with one adult baptism. There were no marriage services conduclcd in the church during 2023. During the year we had 8 people connecied with the congregation who passed away and we sought lo comfort those families, At 31 December 20?3 there were ?90 ¢ommunicanl members and ?75 families connected with the congregation. The average attendance at moming worship in 2022 was 140 and 40 at ihe evening service. Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable ¢0 attend chur¢h due lo sickness or age are visited on a regular basis by the minisieT and elders. Mission and outreacb The mission aspect of the Congregation is founded on the mission purpose as set out above and manifests itself in various ways as compassionate Christianity. Organisations under the direct control of the Congregation such as GB. BB, CE, Sunday School & Youth@Clough cater not only for the young people of the Church but for young people from ihe local community who have no connection with the Congregation. The midweek prayer mccting, Connect and the bowling club caier for th¢ congregation members and are open to the wider communily lo attend. At local level the congregation is connected with the Pritnary school and the School is granted use of the Church premises for their annual ChrTrstmas presentation. Reverend Mcmillan regularly attends the school to conduct morning worship. Glarryford Young Farmer5 Club hold their annual service in the Church every other year and the Loyal Orders are granted p¢nni55ion for their annual church services. The congregation supports the local Church of Ireland at their annual harvest service and also if they have fund raising events. Apart from Freewill offering, repair Fund and the United Appeal charitable donations by the Congregation and the associated organi5ations bave been made inter alia to the following" The Royal British Legion, European Mission Fellowship, The Moderdtor s Appeal, Leprosy Mission, Mission Fund home/oveTse&s, World Development Appeal and the Bible Society.
Presbyter an CLOUGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES AI¥NUAL REPORT (cont'd) Mission and outreach (cont'd) With the continued cost of living uisis, Clough Presbyterian Church held Foodbank Appeals in 2023. The congregation were asked to bring non-perishable food items and toitetries to the collection point in the vestibule during the months of February 20?3 and September 2023. After the items were sorted and dated, they were delivered to our local food bank" in Ballyloughan Presbyterian Church, wher¢ tbey were gratefully received. Philippians 2 v 4 "L¢t each of you look not only tt) his own interests but also to the interests of others" The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a eentral fimd of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This flknd enables congregaiions to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do Mission and outreach on a denominattonal basis beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial support for mission personnel at horne and overseas, assists congregations wilh the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planiing. provides grdnt support for the upkeep of church premises, Lssist with the rnnning costs of Union Theolo8ical College, the Church'5 tratning college for ministy students, and fanciallY supports congregaiion in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. The congregation also contributes io the denominaiions annual World Development Appeal and any other special appeals. Presbytery The congregation was Tepresented al the regular meetings of Presbytery by our Minister and one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider strncrures of the church. General Assembty The minfister and the representative elder were nominated to attend the meetings of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, held in Assembly Buildings in Belfast. The m¢¢(ings took place in June 2023. Property There were no property projects undertaken during 2023. Expenditure related to general repair5 and ongoing maintenance.
an CLOUGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) Organisations s, Bri ade First Clough Company of the Boys 'Brigade is comprised of three sections meeting each Friday evening between September and March. We had five officers, three helpers and 43 boy5 on our register, from the ages of 4-18. We provide a wide rdnge of activities each evening such as games. drill, badge work and bible study. Girls, Bri ade The Girls, Brigade session started in early September with over 60 girls aged 3 to 18 on the register. Each week the girls look part in craft, scripture and games. -lThe iheme for Scripture this year was God. s Promises. The girls also took part in the Ulster Scots Progrdmme alongside GBNI. Junior Christian Endeavour Junior C.E. met from January to March 2023. Twenry-three children were on the register aged between 4 and I I years. C.E. met fortnightly, with only one night cancelled in January due io the winty weather conditions. The children learned stories of Jesus as told in the gospel of Luke- including Jesus starting his ministy and calling his disciples. Luke wanted to give an accurate account of the life of Jesus. and at C.E. the leaders have tried to do the same as they pr¢sented Jesus io the children. In Matt 19 v 14 Jesus told the disciples 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder Ihem, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such a5 these" The season finished with a Family & Friends Service on Sunday, 2 April 20?3. The children took part in the service before Eve Mcmullan. E3 Schools, Worker, shared God's word with the congregation. Junior C.E. made financial donations to support the work of Eve Mcmullan, Friends of Vispa and Mission without Border5 in Ukraine. Youth Youth@.Clough kicked off on 30 June 2023 for young people aged 11-16 years. Thirty-three young people turned up for the first event which included inflarables. a BBQ and Robert Edwards sharing his testimony. Listening to feedback from the young people the organization decided to meet fortnightly from September 2023 on a Saturday night from 7:30 - 9:30 pm. Along with fun, games. tuck shop and free fool God's word is shared witEL the young people. A nlunber of speakers frotn local churches have been invited: Rev. David McGaugbey, Rev. Roland Watt, Rev. Alaistair Mccracken. Tracy Agnew and Tom Saunderson. There have also been 'Te Toast & Testimony nights, when the leaders have shared their testimonie5. On average 15-20 young people attend regularly, with half having no affiliation with Clough Presbyterian Church. There is a rota for the 14 leaders so they should only have to attend once a month. Although still early days for Youth@Clough, leaders and young people are enjoying the fun and fellowship while God's word is being shared.
an CLOUGH COINGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Organisations (cont'd) Choir During 2023 the choir again assisted with leading the praise at each moming service, led by our director of music. Mrs. Jackie Wylie. Attendances range between 15 and 35 and the choir is accompanied by a number of instrumentalists. Connect The Connect ladies group meets most monihs and provides opportunities for the ladies within the congregation to hear guest speakers and fmancially support cbaritsble causes. During 2023 they supported Nl Childrens Hospice. PCI Mission Fund, and Hope 365 Ethiopia. Indnor Bowlin Club The Indoor Bowling normally meets on Tuesday nights from September to March. Average altendance on club nights was 25. The club cornpeles in the local churches, l¢ague. School Sunday School and Bible Class continue to meet each Sunday morning from September to June, with over 60 children and young people attending regularly. We have 9 teachers and a helper, and a tyyical Sunday morning include5 prayer, Bible Story, craft or workbook activity. catechism and singing. Some highlights of the 2023 year included leading the Children's Day service in June, singing in the church at Christmas anl of course, our CILristmas party in December. Volunteers ThL Trustees wish to acknowl¢dge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by serving on committees and helping with organizations and other church activilie5.
an CLOUGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN 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 generdl public by making known the Christian Gospel of the LoTd Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion. The direct benefits which flow from the purposes of the Church include the ga7ning of an understanding in Christian beliefs as set out in the Bible and in the Church's subordinate standards (the Westsninster Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms) leading to spirial and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible leaching. In turn, this framework leads to practical expressions of Christian belief5 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 iheir membeTS, or are facilitated through presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facilitated by central resources tn almost all cases. Public acces5 is mad¢ known through the use of noliceboard5, prinied material, press advertisemenl websites. and social media or in other ways. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and infornial and ad-hoc fe¢dback from members, their families, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to hann. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose is related 10 Ministers. Missionaries. Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefiis &8 a result of their holding olCe or employment. However, this is incidental and necessary in order to fvrther our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, Iheir families. other individuals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in direct and indirect contact with, the community in which pastoral services are proyided and other communities throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Irelan(L and worldwide which benefit from our engagement with and support for both Christlan 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 CLOUGH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation, 5 main source of income is members, contribuiions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 405 contributors during the year 2023 (410 in previous year) donating a tot&1 of £93,247 (£82,206 in previous year). Total income of the congregation during the year was £156.700 compared to £162,560 in the previous year. The income fjgure for the previous year included a one-off legacy of £25,000. Total expenditure increased from £142,593 in 2022 to £170.559 in 2023. STATF,MF,NT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The Trnstees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial ststements of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generdlly accepted accounting practice. As the congregation's total income does not exceed £250,000, th¢ Trustees have elected under Section 64(3) of the Charities Act (Northem 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 su1¢1¢nI to show and explain the ongregation's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lime 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 Kkrk Session on 16, May 2024 and signed on its behalf by.. Signature.. Signature: Name.. Rev. Trevor Kane (Convenor) Name: Ian Johnston (Clerk of Session)