an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105590)
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN 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 Ardstraw congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 4 Deerpark Road, Ardstraw, Omagh, Co Tyrone, BT78 4LL Registered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC105590) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were David William Reid Victor Noel Magee Robert Oliver {Ivor) McFarland Oliver Edward Stevenson James Victor Deane Mervyn Smyth Raymond James Finlay William Robert Wallace Samuel Steven50n Terence Atche50n (appointed 15 October 2023} Terence Moore (appointed 15 October 20231 Trevor Galbraith {appointed 15 October 20231 PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Clerk of Session Treasurer David William Reid Robert Oliver {Ivor} McFarland William Robert Wallace INDEPENDENT EXAMINER McFarland Arnold & Co 8 Main Street Newtownstewart BT78 4AA BANKERS Danske Bank Donegall Square West Belfast BTI 6JS SOLICITORS A.D. Mcclay & Co l Limavady Road LONDONDERRY BT47 6JU
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN 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 ha5 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 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 ministers in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held monthly except December, July and August. 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 a 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. Ardstraw congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Omagh Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery con51Sts 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.
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd} The General Assembly The 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 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 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 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. Ardstraw 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 bring people to Jesus, support and nurture the Church family, magnify His name and build up Christians in their faith. 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; is relevant to people of this time and place. The congregation aims to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God's people by being: A Covenant Community., where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by living faithfully toward him and toward one another 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 bound5 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 practice.
an ARDSTRAW 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 baptised and who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are admitted to the Lord's Supper. The congregation hold5 regular bible study and prayer meetings, also from October to April Café Church has been introduced on the second Sunday evening each month. This gives an opportunity for worship in a more informal setting and speakers are invited to give personal testimony and talk about their work. The congregation has has a wide range of organisations including Sunday School Youth Club Bowling Club Boys, Brigade Girls, Brigade pw Youth Fellowship Ilgnite) ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11,30am. 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 gift of new life at 2 Sacraments of Baptism, we conducted no marriage services and gave thanks for faithful service and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31 December 2023 there were 332 communicant members and 170 families connected with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worship is 82. Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are visited on a regular basis by the minister or elders. Mission and outreach At a local level the congregation made donations in excess of £5,000 to various external missions and charities.
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregations to supportthe 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 planting, provides grant support forthe upkeep of church premises, assistwith the runningcosts 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, Sunday School project and any other special appeals. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and / or one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. General Assembly The minister and one of our elders were nominated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, in June. Property 7 Derg Road was purchased as a new manse and has been occupied since March 2022. Organisations Bowling Club meets each Tuesday evening. Girls, Brigade meets each Monday night: Explorers at 6-7pm, Juniors at 7-8pm, Seniors & Brigader's 8- 9pm from September to March. Boys, Brigade meets each week Anchor Boys on Wednesday at 6-7pm, Juniors on Thursday 7-8pm, Company and Seniors on Wednesday 7-9pm. st Youth Fellowship Group Ilgnite) meets on the l and 3rd Sunday nights of the month. PW meets on 2nd Thursday of the month from October to April.
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'd} Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of theirtime byserving on committees and helping with organisations and other church activities. 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 leads to practical expressions of Christian beliefs and standards in the local community such asthrough 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 noticeboards, 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 supportfor 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 ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is member5, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 159 contributors during the year (155 in previous year, 20221 donatinE 3 total of £49,546 (£48,871 in previous year, 2022) Total Income of the congregation during the year was £132,205, compared to £137,308 in the previous year. Expenditure decreased from £143,338 to £117,969. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for preparin8 the annual report and the financial statements of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice. As the congregations total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section 64(31 of the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008 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 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 the Kirk Session at a meeting on l<-Ocbo6erJ4and signed on its behalf by ,.d David W. Reid (Minister) Robert Oliver (Ivorl McFarland
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND We report on the financial statements of Ardstraw Presbyterian Church for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise statement of financial activities, statement of assets and liabilities and the related notes. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible forthe preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008. It is our responsibility to:. Examine the financial statements under section 65 of the Charities Act {NII 2008. Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65{9)(bl of the Charities Act {Nl) 2008, State whether particular matters have come to our attention. Basis of independent examiner's report We have examined your charity financial Statements as required under section 65 of the Charities Act (Nl} 2008 and our examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65{9)Ibl of the Charities Act (NII 2008. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. Our role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention giving us cause to believe: l. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act {Nl) 2008. 2. That the financial statements do not accord with those accounting records. 3. Thatthe financial statements do not complywith the accounting requirements of the Charities Act (NI) 2008 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Independent examiner's statement We have completed our examination and have no concerns in respect ofthe matters111 to14) listed above and, in connection with following the directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, we have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. McFarland Arnold & Co Chartered Accountants 8 Main Street Newtownstewart Co Tyrone BT78 4AA Chartered Accountants Dated: J* O c. L-. aoa4L
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY (Receipts and Payments Account) for the year ended 31 December 2023 Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Receipts Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment Income Other 70,318 33,805 25,397 104,123 25,397 116,033 18,588 1,433 593 645 14 2,078 607 2,098 589 72,344 59,861 132,205 137,308 Sale of Investments Sale of fixed assets Loans Received 180,396 Total Receipts 72,344 59,861 132,205 317,704 Payments Raising funds Cha rita ble activities Investment costs Other 760 69,600 760 117,209 605 142,733 47,609 70,360 47,609 117,969 143,338 Purchase of Investments Purchase of fixed assets Loan Repayments 201,933 Total Payments 70,360 47,609 117,969 345,271 Net receipts / (payments) Transfers between funds Movement in fund value 1,984 11,6671 12,252 1,667 14,236 127,567} Net movement in funds Funds brought forward 317 14,334 13,919 47,329 14,236 61,663 127,5671 89,230 Funds carried forward 12 14,651 61,248 75,899 61,663 10
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As at 31 December 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Funds Reconciliation Bank and Cash at start of year Net movement in funds Deduct non-cash/bank related endowment funds 14,334 317 47,329 13,919 61,663 14,236 89,230 (27,5671 Bank and Cash at end of year 14,651 61,248 75,899 61,663 Bank & Cash Balances Investments- Note 11 Bank Deposit Accounts Bank Current Accounts Cash in Hand 75,899 61,663 75,899 61,663 Other Assets Fixed Assets - Note 10 Church Premises Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment Vehicles Investments- Note 11 Gift Aid receivable on donations 4,916,151 4,629,144 97,552 89,457 5,013,703 4,718,601 Liabilities Loans Other Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on l¥ acb.L4Y./ and signed on its behalf b D,.a Qjd David W. Reid {Minister) Robert Oliver Ilvorl McFarland 11
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERSAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As thetotal income of the congregation is less than £250,OOOthe congregation have elected in accordance with the provisions in The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 to prepare it5 accounts on a receipts and payments basis. FUND ACCOUNTING Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the congregation's discretion; the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted income funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place. Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and (bl revenue donations or grants for a specific congregational activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis. Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the congregation's general purposes. Designated funds are general funds set aside by the congregation for use in the future. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Recorded Eiving Loose collections Donations and gifts Gift Aid Legacies and bequest 55,484 931 2,240 11,663 23,450 1,205 2,922 6,228 79,934 2,136 5,162 17,891 79,430 1,565 4,365 17,048 13,625 70,318 33,805 104,123 116,033 12
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {cont'd) 31 December 2023 CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Income from charitable activities Fees from weddings and funerals Fundraising events Membership fees Grants 8,313 8,313 10,289 7,855 7,855 269 8,030 9,229 9,229 25,397 25,397 18,588 4. OTHER TRADING AcfiviTIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Letting of premises Trading income INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Deposit interest General Investment Fund Rents investment properties Other investment income 102 1,330 72 573 174 1,903 122 1,976 1,432 645 2,077 2,098 13
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2023 OTHER INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Insurance claims Other income 593 14 607 589 593 14 607 589 RAISING FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 FWO envelopes Fundraising events 760 760 605 760 760 605 CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 General Assembly Assessments Presbytery fees Ministry and support staff costs Congregational running expenses Donations to Mission5 and charities Governance costs 15,319 448 34,765 18,492 15,319 448 34,765 38,597 27,504 14,432 388 31,866 43,898 51,621 20,105 27,504 576 576 528 69,600 47,609 117,209 142,733 14
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2023 OTHER EXPENDITURE Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Investment properties expenses New manse 10. FIXED ASSETS The congregation owns the following premises and the associated fixtures, fittings, plant and machinery which have insurance values as follows: Church Building Church Hall Sextons House Manse 4a Deerpark Road, Ardstraw, Co Tyrone, BT78 4LL 4b Deerpark Road, Ardstraw, Co Tyrone, BT78 4LL 4 Deerpark Road, Ardstraw, Co Tyrone, BT78 4LL 7 Derg Road, Victoria Bridge, Co Tyrone, BT82 9JW 2,761,680 1,357,559 206,440 590,472 4,916,151 11. INVESTMENTS The congregation has the following investments which are shown at market valuation, 2023 2022 General Investment Fund 97,552 89,457 97,552 89,457 15
an ARDSTRAW CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2023 12. FUND BALANCES Fund Balance at start Receipts Payment Surplus / (Deficit) Transfer Balance at end Unrestricted Funds General Fund 14,334 72,344 70,360 1,984 (1,667} 14,651 14,334 72,344 70,360 1,984 11,6671 14,651 Restricted Funds Property/Building Fund Missions and charities Missions/Special Funds Donations/Bequests PW Fund5 Girls Brigade Bowling Club Youth Council Boy5 Brigade Sunday School 26,356 15,755 18,566 5,717 67 426 5,384 7,976 296 3,765 1,909 5,432 22,243 4,649 10,323 13,6771 1,068 67 132 731 1,827 296 110 1,375 36,679 3,677 311 8,412 525 3,243 2,894 58 2,957 2,573 1,379 8,479 657 3,624 4,221 354 1,907 3,948 294 4,653 6,149 (350} 1500) 3,655 534 (1,160) 47,329 59,861 47,609 12,252 1,667 61,248 Total 61,663 132,205 117,969 14,236 75,899 16