S¥ It$¥**O FIRST MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and FÉnancial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland(NIC105608) FIRST MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION 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 DEfAILS First Magherafelt congregation of the Presb￿erIan Church in Ireland 26 Meeting Street, Magherafelt, Co Londonderry, BT45 6BW Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105608) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Mrs l Brown, Mr R Campbell, Mrs A Crossett, Mr W. Currie, Rev Dr J A Curry Mr H. Duncan, Mrj Hamilton, MrA.R. Hog& Dr. E. Hunter, Mrs. H. McKay, Mr R.G. McKeown Mr J. Smyth, Dr. M Stevenson, Mr H Stewart, Mrw. H.J. Todd, Mr E. Wylie PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister Rev Drj A Curry Clerk of Session Mr R J Hamilton Treasurer Mr E Glasgow INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Hopper & Co, 6 Doagh Road, Ballyclare, BT39 9BG BANKERS Danske Bank, 18 Ballymoney Road, Ballymena BT43 5BY FIRST MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PREsBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conydl STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMEKr The Klrk Session The charity trustees of the Con￿egatIOn are the members of its Klrk Session. Under the congregation's governing document, The Code, the book of the constrtution and government of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland, the Klrk Session seeks to watch over and promote the spirftual interest of the con8regatlon and of persons not connerted with any congrerdtion who are wtthin its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place in the congregation and seeks to further the contributlon of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local communtty. The Kirk Sessions has delegated to Its Congregational Commrttee the temporal affairs of the congre8ation Including administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-officio members of the Con8regational Committee. The Kirk Sesslon 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 minister5 in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk sesslon are held five times each year. 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 ord5nances. The selettion 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 Presbyterlan Church in Ireland fonn of governance the corporate overslght of a congregation Is th¢ responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregatlons assigned to it by the General Assembly of the presbyterian Church in Ireland. First Magherafelt con8regatlon of the Presbyterlan Church has been assigned to the Tyrone Presbytery of the Presbytefian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists malnly of the artive ministers of congregations assigned to it by the General Assembty, minsters who have retired from actlve duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Se55lon of the congregation. FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE pRE$B￿ERlAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) The General A55embly The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church, representlng in one body the whole Church and artlng as it5 Supreme legislative, admlnistratlon and judicial authorlty, In dealingwfth 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 dis501ved. The Membership of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active ministers of each congregation, retired minstsrs and a representative elder appointed by the Klrk Session of eath congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charttable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. First Magherafelt congYe8ation of the Presbyterian Church 15 a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church withln the wlder body of Chrlst Es grounded in the Scriptures, and exist5 to love and honour God through faith In His Son and bythe powerof HIS Spirit, and to enable her members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregations mlsslon purpose is :_ A5 those who know Jesus, taking the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spiri¢ to others, so that they might become disciples of Jesus Chrlst. Our vision is to be those who GLORIFY GOD as we Experlence GRACE as His children, Share LOVE in His family and Demonstrate COMPASSION to Hi5 world. The congregation aims to live out its Misslon and Vislon as a family of God's people bv being: A Covenant Community: where our relationshlps are rooted in the promises of God by living faithfully toward him and toward one another An Intergenerational Community: where adults intentlonallytske 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 Blble is the supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confesslon of Faith, along with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key matters of Christlan faith and practice] FIRST MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IREIAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitor5 are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on six occasions durlng the year and all those who have been baptised and who have made a profession of falth in the Lord Jesu5 Chrlst are admFtted to the Lords Supper. The congregation holds regular blble study and prayer meetings and has a wide range of organisations including: Sundayschool - Creche Jrchurch - Youth Fellowship Girls BrFgade Ladies @First Crafty Ladies - Parents and Toddlers English Language Classes - Youth Club Mission Awareness - Coffee Mornings ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worshlp and prayer The congregation nomally meetsfor worshlp each Sunday at 11am and 6:30pm. Durlngthe week the ft)rtni8htly Bible Studies and weekly prayer meetin8 provides an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to study the scrlptures and for prayer. As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledged God's gfft of new life at the Sacraments of Baptism. we conducted marrlage services and gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved durit7g the year. At 31 December 2023 there were 226 communicant rnembers and 294famllies connected with the congre8ations. The average week attendance at mornin8 worship Is 160 Pastoral care Members of the congregatlon who are unable to attend church due to slckness or age are visrted on a re8ular basis bythe tnini¥(er or elders. Misslon and outreach We run Engllsh language classes for mi8rant5 and many from all sections of the community attend our ministry programs such as girls brigade. We run a community coffee morning eath week in partnership wlth the local special need school. We have strong mi5s1on links wlth Malawi and support various mission organisatlons. The congregation 5UPPOrts the United Appeal for Mlssion which Is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland. Thls fund enables congregations to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do mission and OLrtreach on a denominational basis beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provide5 financial support for mission personnel at home and overseas, assists congregation5 With the deployment of locally based staff, enables church plantin& provides grant support for the upkeep of church premises, assist with the runnlng costs of Unlon Theologlcal College, the Church's training college for ministry students, and financially supports congregations in the areas of worship. discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. The congregatlon aSso contributes to the denominations other special appeals. Presbytery The congregation v￿S represented at the regular rneetings of Presbytery by our minlster and one of the elders. This provldes an important Ilnk between the congregations and the wider Structure5 of the church. General Assembly The minister and one of our elders were nominated to attend the meetin8 of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildin8S* Belfast, tn October. Property The congregation operates from its church building and hall complex located ort Meeting Street, Magherafelt and from its manse in King Street, Magherafelt Organlsations Small Group Bible Sturfies This key aspect of our midweek fellowship meets fortnlghtly and is open to everyone. It does not requlre you to have any partlcular level of bible knowledge simply a desire to learn together from God's word. We encourage those who attend to read the passage and to answer the questions they can beforehand. On the evening they are free to share their answers or simply listen as other5 do so. The leaders of the groups will have meet with Rev Curry and been through the 5tudles and we also preach on the passages studied in our Sunday evenln8 Services. Prayer Meetln* the opportunltles for people to Join is In prayer include (l) Maln Congregational Prayer Meetin& on Thursdays @8pm. {2) Weekly Prayer fime for Worship, Sundays 10.30-10.45 Junior Sunday School Junior Sunday School for Primary School aged thildren continues to meet every Sunday at 10am to 10.45am from Septembertojune. We take part in various services throughout the year and really appreciate the effort the children put into practising and the supportfrom home. We use stories, songs and craftto encourage the children to learn more about God. We start each session with the thlldren coming Into thelr dasse5. We chat with them about their week and get to know them more. We also open In prayer in our own classes. Then we do our storles and activlties together. All the classes meet up together at the end of the session to sing together from a variety of action son85 to share God's love. Senior Sunday School and Blble Class We continue to meet each Sunday mornlng at 10am to 10.45am from September to June. We haye a good group of young people but would always welcome more. The young people take part in varlous family and youth services durlng the year, communicating the message of Jesus through drama, readlngthe Blble, prayer and son& Creche Crèche continues to meet every Sunday morning during the church service. Each chlld comin8 Out to creche now also gets a book when the league of church byalty attendance prizes are given out to the older thildren at the end of January. Many thanks to all who are involved in looking afterthe little ones on a Sunday morning. Your help is very much appreciated. Children's Church Children's Church takes place each Sunday morning with children of Primary School age leaving the maln service followlng the children's address. Age related activities are made available to them In the Church hall whith follows a different theme for each calendar month eg. Creation, Bible character5, miracles etc. The activitie5 provSded include Blble stories, arts / crafts and games. Children's Church is a team effort and with the number of children attending on the increase we would welcome other volunteers to join the team to assist with teaching or in a more supportive / practical capacity. Please speak to either one of us for further information. Choir / praise Band There are several opportunities to a5SiSt in leadlng the praise In our church. If you feel you would Ilke to participate in any way please speak with our or8anise or come along to any of the practices noted in the announcements. We espedally welcome people who are interested In joining the choir on Sunday mornings to help lead our praise. Mad@Flrst on Sundays (Youth Fellowshlp) Mad@First on Sundays meets to worship at the evenlng service at 6pm and then for thelr meeting in the Graham Room. We would like to encourage any youth of secondary school age to come ak)n8 to Mad on Saturday or Sunday nights and any of the other events planned throughout the year. Ladle5@First Ladies @ Flrst meet mainly on the third Tuesdayof each month and hold other special event5 throughout the year. In all of the meeting5 we are seeking to adhere to the aim of Presbyterian Women and encourage women to become disciples of Jesus. We invite all ladles to come along to our meetings and events. If ft is difficult to commit to every month please feel free to come along when you can and you will be assured of a warm welcome. Engllsh Uasses The class meets on Monday mornlngs from 10 to 12 and the average attendance is between 10 and 20 with 3 to 4 volunteer tutors we would not call ourselve5 teachers rather we are guides to the En8llsh language. The class at present comprlses Ukrainians, Portuguese and Afghani. The class starts with each person reading as best they can from a passage from the Bible. We now are amazed with the progress some have made although they still have difflcultles in understanding some of the phrases which are in common usage. 221"Magherafelt Girls Brlgade The 8irls meet in the Church hall every Wednesday night. Explorers meet at 6.00pm, juniors 7.00pm. Seniors and Brl8aders from 7.45pm. We pray as we contlnue in Glrls Brigade to remember our motto at all times: 'Seek, Serve and Follow Christ., Youth Club @ Flrst The numbers in Youth aub remain at a steady 20 -25 regular Boys and Glrls every week. The young people tske part in various actlvities Suth as board games, tsble tennls, pool, play station and Wil game5 With the usual group games such as football and uni Hoc. We are encouraged by our numbers and our reliable group of leaders. We would ask for your tontinued support and prayers as we try to engage with these young people to come to know and trust the Lord. Volunteers The Trustees wlsh to acknowledge their deep apprecSation of those who give freely of thelr time by serving on commlttees and helping wlth organi5atlons and other church actlvities. FIRsf MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convdl PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterlan Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefitto its members and the general public by makin8 knovm the Christian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throu8h the advancement of religion. The dlrect benefits which flow from the purposes of the Church include the gainin8 of an understanding in Christian beliefs as set out in the Bible and In the Church'5 subordinate standards (the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms) leadlns to spiritual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework leads to prartical expressions of Christlan beliefs and standards in the local community such asthrough 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 faalitatsd through presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery 15 facilitated by central resources In almost all cases. Publlc access 15 made known through the use of noticeboards• prlnted materialp pres5 advertlsement. 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 famllles, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefrt flowingfrorn our purpose is related to Ministers, MSsslonaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mlssion workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits as a result of their holding office or employment. However, this is incidentsl and necessary in order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefts. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members. their families, other Indlviduals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in dlrect and indirert contart with, the community iri which pastoral Services are provided and other cornmunities throughout Northerh Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and worldwlde which benefit from our engagement with and support for both Chrlstlan and other secular organlsations, charities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commlssions Public benefrt requirement Statutory guidance. FIRsf IWIGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYtERIAN CHURCH IN IREIAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conVdJ FINANUAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contributlons through the Weekly Freewill Offering Total Income of the congregation during the year was £186,094 compared to £209,951 In the prevlous year. Total expenditure of the congregation during the year was £182,287 compared to £157,355 in the previous year. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBIUTIES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financlal statements of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice. s the congregatlons totsl inconie does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Sertion 64{3) of the Charities Act {Northem Ireland) 208 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and Ilabilities. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accountlng records that are sufficlent to show and explain the congregatlon's transactions and disclose with reasonable atturacy at any tlme its f1nancial poswtion. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the con8regatlon and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detectlon of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Kirk Session at a meetlng on Tuesday 22nd October 2024 and signed on its behalf by Name- Rev Dr Jonathan A Curry Name- Robertjohn Hamilton Signatur Signature: Date: 22lld October 2024 Date: 22nd ortober 2024 FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of First Magherafelt Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ereland Year ended 31 December 2023 I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of First Magherafelt Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland ('the charity'} for the year ended 31 December 2023. Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (the '2008 Act,). You are satisfied that your charity is not required by charity law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements as carried out under section 65 of the 2008 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the 2008 Act. Independent examlnerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with my examination giving me cause to believe that in an material respect: l. Accounting records were not kept as required by with section 63 of the 2008 Act; or 2. The financial statements do not accord with those records; or 3. The financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of the 2008 Act; or 4. The financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I confirm that there are no other matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent Examiner S Hopper FCA Partner Hopper & Co Date: 22 October 2024 10 FIRST MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND srATEMENf OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY (Receipts and Payments Account) for the year ended 31 December 2023 Note Unrestricted Funds Restrkted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Re￿iptS Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment Income Other 101,901 71,028 172,929 2.000 201,013 358 90 8,761 1,956 1,614 3,324 8,761 Total Recelpts 102,259 81.879 1,956 186,094 205,951 Payments Raising funds Charitable activities Other 962 99,081 962 167,393 13,932 962 136,242 20,151 68,312 13.902 30 Total Payments ICM),043 82,214 30 181287 157,355 Net receipts / (payments) Transfers between funds Gains l {loss} on Investments 2,216 1,715 (335) 20,228 1,926 (21,943) (176) 3,807 48,596 (176) (1,494) Net movement In funds Funds brought forward 3,931 70,018 19,893 580,396 {20,193} 89,363 3,631 739,777 47,102 691675 Funds carried for¢dard 12 73,949 600,289 69,170 743.408 739,777 11 FIRST MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND srATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILrriES As at 31 December 2023 2023 2022 Note Flxed Assets Tangible Fixed assets Investments 530,CXIO 23,415 530,OLK) 23,591 10 Current Assets Cash at Bank and in hand 189,993 186,186 Liabilitie5 Loans 11 Totsl Assets less Uabilitles 743,408 739,777 Funds of the Charity Endowment Funds Restricted Funds Unrestritted Funds 73,949 600,289 69,170 70,018 580,396 89.363 743,408 739,777 Approved by the KI￿ Sesslon at a meeting on Tuesday 22Dd October 2024 and signed on its behalf by Name- Robertjohn Hamilton Name- Rev Drjonathan A Curry Si8nature: Slgnature: Date: 22NI October 2024 Date: 22nd October 2024 FIRsf MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE Accoumrs 31 December 2023 ACCOU￿rING pouaES BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As the total income of the congregation Is less than £250,000 the congregation have elected in accordance with the provislons in The Charities (Accounts and Reports Regulatlons (Northern Ireland) 2015 to prepare its accounts on a receipts and payments basls. FUND ACCOUNTING Endowment funds are funds. the caprtal of which must be retalned elther permanently or at the congregatlon's dlscretion; the income derived from the endowment Is to be used either as restrlcted or unrestritted Income funds depending upon the purpose forwhlch the endowment was established in the first place. Restricted funds comprise (a} income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restrlrted purposes intended by the donor and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific congregational activity Intet)ded by the donor. Where these fund5 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 congregatlon for use in the future. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestricted Funds Restrfrted Endowment Funds Funds Totsl 2023 Total 2022 Recorded glvlng: Donations and gifts Gift Aid Legacy & bequest 84,348 17,553 58,414 12,614 142,762 30,167 169,784 31,229 101.901 71,028 172,929 201,013 13 FIRsf MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2023 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unre( Free loans were repaid in the year (they fell due to be repald on 31 De￿rnber 2023) 16 FIRsf MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PREsBYfER1A￿ CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS (conyd) 31 December 2023 12. FUND BALANCES Fund Balance Recelpts Paymerrt Surplus l Transfer at start (Defidt) Galn / loss on invest ments Balance at end Unrestrirted Funds General Account 70,018 102,259 100,043 2,216 1,715 73,949 70,018 102,259 100,043 2,216 L715 73,949 Restrlcted Funds Property Sunday School Outreach United Appeal & Mission Girls Brigade Youth Club English aasses Presbyterian Women Youth Fellowship 536,456 3,487 27,650 5,619 1,046 1,653 307 786 3,392 46,152 815 400 19,238 11,843 308 55,872 964 1,507 13,886 7.011 251 (9,7201 20.478 (149) 175 (1,107) (1,800) 5,352 1,800 4,832 {2501 57 (100) 547,214 3,513 24,743 12,771 5.628 1.610 307 1,310 3.193 3,120 2,521 202 559 (199) (75) 580,396 81,879 82,214 (355} 20.228 600,289 Endowment Funds Church endowments 89?63 1,956 30 1,926 {21,943) 1176) 69.170 89,363 1,956 1,926 (21,943) 1176) 89,363 Total 739.777 186,094 182,287 3,807 1176) 743,408 17