an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland(NIC105608)
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT 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 at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS First Magherafelt congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 26 Meeting Street, Magherafelt, Co Londonderry, BT45 6BW Registered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC105608) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Mrs l Brown, Dr. E. Hunter, Mr R Campbell, Mrs. H. McKay, Mrs A Crossett, Mr R.G. McKeown Mr W. Currie, Mr J. Smyth, Rev Drj A Curry Dr. M Stevenson, Mr H. Duncan, Mr H Stewart, Mrj Hamilton, Mr W. H. J. Todd, Mr A.R. Hogg, 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, 25 High Street, Carrickfergus, BT38 7AN BANKERS Danske Bank, 18 Ballymoney Road, Ballymena BT43 5BY
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) STRucfuRE 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 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 Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the rulin8 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 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 ordinances. The 5elettion 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 affair5 of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. First Magherafelt congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Tyrone 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.
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN 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. First Magherafelt 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 congregations mission purpose is :. As those who know Jesus, taking the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, to others, so that they might become disciples of Jesus Christ. Our vision is to be those who GLORIFY GOD a5 we Experience GRACE as His children, Share LOVE in His family and Demonstrate COMPASSION to His world. The congregation aim5 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 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 practice]
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) AcfiviTIES 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 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 and prayer meetings and has a wide range of organisation5 including: Sunday School Jr Church Girls Brigade Crafty Ladies English Language Classes Mission Awareness Creche Youth Fellowship Ladies @First Youth Club Coffee Mornings ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11am and 6:30pm. Duringthe week the fortnightly Bible Studies and weekly prayer meeting provides an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for prayer. As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledged God's gift of new life at the Sacraments of Baptism, we conducted marriage services and gave thank5 for faithful service5 and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. At 31 December 2024 there were 226 communicant members and 294 families connected with the congregations. The average week attendance at morning worship is 135 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 We run English language classes for migrants and many from all sections of the community attend our ministry programs such as girls brigade. We run a community coffee morning each week in partnership with the local special need school. We have strong mission links with Malawi and support various mission organisations. The congregation 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
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) 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, enable5 church planting, provides grant support for the upkeep of church premises, assist with the running costs of Union Theological 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 congregation also contributes to the denominations other special appeals. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and 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 October. Property The congregation operates from its church building and hall complex located on Meeting Street, Magherafelt and from its manse in King Street, Magherafelt Organisations Small Group Bible Studies This key aspect of our midweek fellowship meets fortnightly and is open to everyone. It does not require you to have any particular 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 others do so. The leaders of the groups will have meet with Rev Curry and been through the studies and we also preach on the passages studied in our Sunday evening services. Prayer Meetings- the opportunities for people to join is in prayer include (l) Main Congregational Prayer Meetlng. on Thursdays @8pm. (2) Weekly Prayer Time for Worship, Sundays 10:30-10'.45 Junior Sunday School Junior Sunday School for Primary School aged children continues to meet every Sunday at 10am to 10.45am from September to June. We take part in various services throughout the year and really appreciate the effort the children put into practising and the support from home. We use stories, songs and craft to encourage the children to learn more about God.
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'd) We start each session with the children coming into their classes. 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 stories and activities together. All the classes meet up together at the end of the session to sing together from a variety of action songs to share God's love. Senior Sunday School and Bible Clas5 We continue to meet each Sunday morning at 10am to 10.45am from September to June. We have a good group of young people but would always welcome more. The young people take part in various family and youth services during the year, communicating the message of Jesus through drama, reading the Bible, prayer and song. Creche Crèche continues to meet every Sunday morning during the church service. Each child coming out to creche now also gets a book when the league of church loyalty attendance prizes are given out to the older children 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 leavingthe main service following the children's address. Age related actlvities are made available to them in the Church hall which follows a different theme for each calendar month eg. Creation, Bible characters, miracles etc. The activities provided include Bible 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 assist in leading the praise in our church. If you feel you would like to participate in any way please speak with our organise or come along to any of the practices noted in the announcements. We especially welcome people who are interested in joining the choir on Sunday mornings to help lead our praise. Mad@Fir5t on Sundays (Youth Fellowship) Mad@First on Sundays meets to worship at the evening service at 6pm and then for their meeting in the Graham Room. We would like to encourage any youth of secondary school age to come along to Mad on Saturday or Sunday nights and any of the other events planned throughout the year.
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Ladies@Flrst Ladies @ First meet mainly on the third Tuesday of each month and hold other special events throughout the year. In all of the meetin85 we are seekin8 to adhere to the aim of Presbyterian Women and encourage women to become disciples of Jesus. We invite all ladies to come along to our meetings and events. If it 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. English Classes The class meet5 on Monday mornings from 10 to 12 and the average attendance is between 10 and 20 with 3 to 4 volunteer tutors we would not call ourselves teachers rather we are guides to the English language. The class at present comprises 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 difficulties in understanding some of the phrases which are in common usage. 2215tMagherafelt Girls Brigade The girls meet in the Church hall every Wednesday night. Explorer5 meet at 6.00pm, juniors 7.00pm. Seniors and Brigaders from 7.45pm. We pray as we continue in Girls Brigade to remember our motto at all times: 'Seek, Serve and Follow Christ., Youth Club @ First The numbers in Youth Club remain at a steady 20-25 regular Boys and Girls every week. The young people take part in various activities such as board games, table tennis, pool, play station and Wii games 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 continued support and prayers as we try to engage with these young people to come to know and trust the Lord. 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 church activities.
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT 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 opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In turn, this framework leads to practical expressions 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. Public access is made known through the use of noticeboards, printed material, press advertisement, websites, and social media or in other ways. The benefit5 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 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.
an FIRsf MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEE5 ANNUAL REPORT (conyd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offerlng Total Income of the con8regatlon during the year was £190,473 compared to £186,094 in the previous year. Total expendlture of the congregation durin8 the year was £161,465 compared to £182,287 in the previous year. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSfBILmES The Trustees are re5ponslble for preparing the annual report and the flnancial statements of the congre8ation in accordance wlth appllcable law and generally accepted accounting practice. As the congregations total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have eletted under Section 64(3> of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 208 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and liabilitie5. The Trustees are responslble for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's transactions and disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the congregatlon and hence for takin8 reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Klrk Sesslon at a meetin8 on Tuesday 24th June 2025 and signed on its behalf by Name- Rev Drjonathan A Curry Name- Robertjohn Hamilton Signature: Signature: th Date: 24 June 2025 Date.. 24 June 2025
an INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND I report on the financial statements of First Magherafelt Presbyterian Church for the year ended 31st December 2024. Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner First Magherafelt Presbyterian Church's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008. First Magherafelt Presbyterian Church 's trustees consider that an audit is not required under section 6512) (audit) of the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008 for the year and that an independent examination under section 64(1) of the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008 is required. It 15 my responsibility to: examine the accounts to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent examiner's report My examination was carried out under Section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Church and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements. Independent examiner's statement In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (l) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep proper accounting records in accordance with Section 63 of the charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, and to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records in accordance with Section 64 of the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008 have not been met; or {2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. S Hopper FCA Partner Hopper & Co 22 June 2025 10
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTY (Receipts and Payments Account) for the year ended 31 December 2024 Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Receipts Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment Income Other 102,086 74,443 2,820 657 4,293 176,529 2,820 4,001 7,123 172,929 2,000 2,404 8,761 1,311 2,830 2,033 Total Receipt5 106,227 82,213 2,033 190,473 186,094 Payments Raising funds Charitable activities Other 998 98,746 2,745 998 142,658 17,809 962 167,393 13,932 43,912 15,084 {20) Total Payments 102,489 58,996 {20) 161,465 182,287 Net receipts / {payments) Transfers between funds Gains / {loss} on investments 3,738 1,796 23,217 237 2,053 {2,033} 686 29,008 3,807 686 {1761 Net movement in funds Funds brought forward 5,534 73,949 23,454 600,289 706 69,170 29,694 743,408 3,631 739,777 Funds carried forward 12 79,483 623,743 69,876 773,102 743,408 11
an FIRST MAGHERAFELTCONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMEKf OF A55Efs AND UABIUTIES As at 31 December 2024 2024 Z023 Note Flxed Assets Tangible Fixed assets Investments 530,000 24,101 530.000 23,415 10 Current Assets Cash at Bank and in hand 219,001 189,993 Total Assets less Llabllltles 773,102 743,408 Funds of the Charity Endowment Funds Restrlcted Funds Unrestricted Funds 79,483 623,743 69,876 73,949 61)0,289 69,170 773,102 743,408 th Approved by the Kirk Session at a meetin8 on Tuesday 24 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by Name- Rev Drjonathan A Curry Name- Robertjohn Hamilton Signature: Signature: Date: 24th June 2025 Date: 24th June 2025 12
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRE5BYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As the total income of the congregation is less than £250,000 the congregation have elected in accordance with the provisions in The Charities (Accounts and Reports Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 to prepare its 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 {al income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific congregational activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balance5, 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 Fund5 Restricted Endowment Fund5 Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Recorded giving: Donations and gifts Gift Aid Legacy & bequest 86,856 15,230 63,299 11,144 150,155 26,374 142,762 30,167 102,086 74,443 176,529 172,929 13
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2024 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestrirted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Income from charitable activities Membership fees Fundraising events Grants 1,220 1,220 1,600 1,600 2,000 2,820 2,820 2,000 INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestricted Fund5 Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Deposit interest General Investment Fund Other investment income 1,311 657 702 89 1,242 2,670 89 1,242 1,154 71 1,179 1,311 657 2,033 4,001 2,404 OTHER INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Other income 2,830 4,293 7,123 8,761 2,830 4,293 7,123 8,761 RAISING FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 FWO envelopes 998 998 962 998 998 962 14
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2024 CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 General Assembly Assessments Presbytery fees Ministry and support staff costs Congregational running expenses Donations to Missions and charities Governance costs 9,521 664 78,724 8,907 930 9,381 18,902 664 78,724 32,838 11,530 20,076 497 75,433 64,807 6,580 23,931 10,600 98,746 43,912 142,658 167,393 OTHER EXPENDITURE Unrestrlcted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Other costs 2,745 15,084 (20) 17,809 13,932 2,745 15,084 (20) 17,809 13,932 FIXED ASSETS The congregation owns the manse premises situated at King Street, Magherafelt and this has an insurance value of £530,000. The congregation also owns the church and hall complex premises at Meeting Street, Magherafelt but, due to the specialised and historic nature of these buildings, it is considered appropriate not to include them in the asset valuation. 15
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2024 10. INVESTMENTS The congregation has the following investments - amounts are shown at market valuation. 2024 2023 PCI Church Hse Shares M&G Charifund Units 3,782 20,319 3,612 19,803 24,101 23,415 16
an FIRST MAGHERAFELT CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2024 11. FUND BALANCES Fund Balance at start Receipts Payment Surplus / Transfer (Deficit) Galn / loss on invest ments Balance at end Unrestricted Funds General Account 73,949 106,227 102,489 3,738 1,796 79,483 73,949 106,227 102,489 3,738 1,796 79,483 Restricted Funds Property Sunday School Outreach United Appeal & Mission Girls Brigade Youth Club English Classes Presbyterian Women Youth Fellowship 547,214 3,513 24,743 12,771 5,628 1,610 307 1,310 3,193 46,055 2,331 807 19,684 9,924 481 23,931 795 1,396 23,051 7,250 507 120 1,747 199 22,124 1,536 {5891 13,367} 2,674 (26) {120) 320 665 582 180 {3,4001 3,400 (250) (100) 569,920 5,229 20,754 12,804 8,052 1,484 187 1,555 3,758 2,067 864 {75) (100) 600,289 82,213 58,996 23,217 237 623,743 Endowment Funds Church endowments 69,170 2,033 (20) 2,053 (2,033) 686 69,876 69,170 2,033 120} 2,053 (2,033) 686 69,876 Total 743,408 190,473 161,465 29,008 686 773,102 17