an SECOND CASTLEDERG CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 Registered Charity in Northem Ireland (NIC105610)
Presbyter an SECOND CASTLEDERG pRE5BERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSfEES ANNUAL REPORT TheTru5tees present their Annual Report and Financial Statementsforthe year ended 31 December 2025 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMIN15fRATIVE DEfAILS Second Castlederg Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 55 Strabane Road. Castleder& Co Tyrone. BT817HZ Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105610) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of thi5 report were: Rev Robert McFaul Mr Mervyn Buchanan Miss Rosemary Craig BEM Mr Alex Fletcher Mr Bert Huey M r Jack M itchell Mrsjean Mcmullan Mrs Pearl Quigley Mr David Thomp50n Miss Sandra Thompson Mrs Daphne Watt PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister in eharge.. Clerk of Session: Treasurer: Rev Robert McFaul Mr Bert Huey Miss Doreen Mccain
Presbyter an SECOND CAsfLEDERG PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT {conYd) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Hamill Mcllwaine Chartered Accountsnts 28-30 Old Mountfield Road Omagh BT79 7BJ BANKERS Ulster Bank Strabane Branch 29 Abercorn Square Strabane BT82 8AL SOLICITORS Babingtons Solicitors 74 Railway Street Strabane BT82 8EQ
an SECOND CASTLEDERG pRE5BERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUStEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) STRUCtURE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirk Session The charity trustees of the congregation are the member5 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 eongregation 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 Session has delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation including adrninistering all funds and property belonging to the tongregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-officio members of the Congregational Comrnittee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the ¢ongregations. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise eq ual votes at meeting5, except that the Moderator, the minister in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held in January, March, May. September and November and as required. To be chosen for the office of the elder5hip in the congregation a person must be a voting rnember 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 congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the eongregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Second Castlederg Presbyterian Church ha5 been assigned to the Omagh Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the aetive ministers of congregations Ossigned to it by the General Assembly, minsters who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation.
Presbyter an SECOND CASTLEDERG PRESBERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) The General Assembly The General Assembly is the suprerne 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 cond uct its business. At the end of business tt is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly Consists mainly of the active ministers of each congregation. retired minster5 and a representattve elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE Second Castlederg Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in I reland. 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 its members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregations mission statement is.. Second Castleder Mission Statement We are the church at the heart of the town, called by God to have a heart for Him, a heart for each other and for our community and ourworld. A heartfor God: In worship,- in praying together; in studying and reading His Word in the Bible," in learning together in Sunday School; in using our time and our gift5 to serve Christ and others. A heart for each other: In welcome,. in friendship.. in our laughing together and our weeping together- a heart for each other as we encourage one another- bear one anotherfs burdens,. pray for one another,. forgive one another and love one another. A heartfor our community: As in GB we seek, serve and follow Christ together,. as in BB we make it our aim to be sure and steadfast- In the fellowship and friendship of bowls; In the sharing of good news in Holiday Bible Club,. In our invitation to all in the Castlederg community to join u5 for hospitality, warmth and friendship in our Friendship Club,. A heart for our community as we hear Christ's call to love our neighbour as we value our own life.
an SECOND CASTLEDERG pREsBER1AN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conYd) A heart for God's world: In PW as women meet to pray, to encourage and support mission at home and overseas: in our support for Tear Fund, Mission in Cambod ia, United Appeal Projects. Operotion Christmas Child,. in giving to the Presbyterian Children's Society, World Development, Moderatorfs Special Appeals and the many personal opportunities to give and to care that Christ share5 Wlth us daily. We are the church at the heart of the town, chollenged to keep the Lord at the heart of all we are and ever hope to be. A1VITIEs AND OBJEcfivES In July 2025, the time of our Service of Worship changed from 10.30 am to 10.00am, following our new Linkage with Drumquin Presbyterian Church. The congregation meets for worship every Sunday at 10.OOa.m. with visitor5 often joining us for the Service especially at Baptisms and at Harvest. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed in January, April and September 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 a fortnightly Bible study meeting and has a wide nge of organisations including Sunday School Gir15' Brigode 8oyg Brigade Holiday Bible Club Bowling Club Friendship Club PresbWcerian Women ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The church choir lead5 the praise along with our dedicated organist and they have been involved in preparing special music for Harvest and Christmas and the annual PW SeNice. Members of the congregation led the Christmas Carol Service and the Sunday School led the Nativity Service on a Sunday before Christmas. During the year. the congregation gathers for tea/coffee on the first Sunday of the month after the morning Service, provided by different teams of volunteers and this has not only proved popular, but also gives another opportunity to strengthen fellowship and friendships in our c.hurch Family. Collecting the Offering during the Service is an opportunity to create different teams of collectors on Sundays Invo1ng a wide range of members of all ages. The congregation now has a Fatebook page and work is underwayto create a website as well, providing opportunities to engage with our Church members and community.
Presbyter an SECOND CASfLEDERG pRES8ERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conrfdl The Bible Study Group comprises both mernbers of Second Castlederg and our linked congregation of Urney (until June 2025} with 10-15 people attending our fortnightly meetings for Bible study and prayer and every third meeting being held in Urney Church Hall. In June, a new linkage was formed and members of Drumquin Presbyterian Church began to join our fortnightly meetings, whith are now held alternately in each church. During 2025, we completed a series of six studies called "Our Loving Fatherf,. which was followed by a series before Easter on "Characters Around the Cro55" We then commenced a 12-partseries on "Old Testament Characterg,, with our study before Christmas being a Christmas Special. The group eontinues to be led by our Minister Emeritus and both the study questions and his comments continue to be emailed to members of both churches, and a paper eopy is also made available in each church. Our Sunday Morning Prayer Time is held before the Service each week. Here. we remember those who are ill or bereaved, and we pray for our current vacancy and the appointment of a new Minister as well as for significant national or world-wide issues. Sunday School continues to meet during the Serviee and crèche continues to accommodate younger families. The Sacrament of Baptism welcomes children into our Church family and in 2025 three children were baptised. We also met to give thanks for the lives of three of our members who died during the year. As of 31 December 2025 there were 312 communicant members and 194 families connected with the congregation. Pastoral care When we have a Minister in post, he visits the sick and housebound on a regular basis and brings Home Communion to those who are unable to attend Sunday Worship. Members of Kirk Session have Elderfs Districts ènd vi51t Church members several times in the year. In the absence of a Minister, it has not been possible to be involved in the monthly Services in a local Nursing Home. Pastoral vislting continues with the help of the Vacancy Convener and on occasion5 by the Minister Emeritus. Mission and outreach At a local level, the congregation has a wide-ranging mission and ministry to the Castlederg community. Mission happens in many way5 in our congregation. In ouryouth Organisations we reach out to young people from the area, sharing the message of the Bible with those who have a link with their local church and those who have none. Mission is also about serving and many of OLtr member5 Serve in local groups and committees that benefit the community in practital ways.
Presbyter an SECOND CASTLEDERG PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRuEE5 ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) We are aware of the increasing problem of loneliness arnong people in the local community, and this is now exacerbated by the increasing cost of living, requiring people to choose between 'heating and eating,. As a way of reaching out to all in the local community, our church has 'Friendship Group.. providing a friendly face and a Snack in a warm and welcoming environment. In another effort to make a difference, for our Harvest FestNal celebrations in October 2025, we asked our members to bring items that could be donated to a Foodbank. and these were used for decorating the church instead of the usual flordl arra ngements. Three car-loads of food were taken to a local foodbank for distribution in the comrnunity. Contributions to our United Appeal for Mission that supports many individual ministries and projects at home and overseas raised £7.524, exceeding ourTarget of Honour which in 2025 was £5,999. The 2025 World Development Appeal, "Hives of Hope. WorkingTogether for a BetterTomorr0, focussed on people in Honduras struggling with poverty and hunger . Along with OCDIH-the Christian Organisation for Integral Development of Honduras- the World Development Appeal will help train women in beekeeping, helping to produce and market the honey. The Appeal also aimed to supply the necessary funds to support Tearfund projects in Ethiopia {including Tearfund Irelandl, Ind ia, Pakistan, Mozambique and the DRC, alongside other Christian Aid projects in Kenya, the Dominican Republic and in Zimbabwe. Our thurch members donated £1275 to the 2025 World Development Appeal. The Presbyterian Children's Souety is all about changing lives in a positive way, but the Society relies on ind ividuals a nd congregations to give and to make this change a reality. On average we each give less than the cost of a packet of cerea I, but the Society provides grants of at least £lOOO per person per year and is helping around 400 familie5 and 700 children. In 2025. donations towards the work of the Children's Society came to £706. The Church Committee 15 divided into several sub-committees, including Finance, Property, Health & Safety, Technology and Communications, &tering and Fund-raising & Events. During 2025, the Fund-raising and Events Committee organised some event5 to raise funds= our Soup and Sandwich Lunch raised £610 for Tearfund: a coffee morning raised £2230for the Cancer Fund for Children INI)- catering for the public on the day of the Black Saturday parade in Castlederg raised £3361 for Church Funds. The annual collection for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal at the Remembrance Service in November raised £236.
an SECOND CASTLEDERG pRE5BERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) Overseas, the congregation supports the missionary work of Khmer Sthool of Language I} Mercy Projert in Cambodia, through the sale of used clothing and in 2025 this raised £670. We are gratefijl for the amount raised but we acknowledge that the 5UPPOrt from the congregation has severely dwindled and the amount received forthe clothes has also been slightly reduced, so the combination of both left us sending a much smaller donation to the project than in previous years. IQYO of the money we send is used to assist thildren and young people who face stgnffiicant hardship. The projett director allocates the money to those most in need at the time. In 2025 we were able to support one year of education forone teenage girl in herfinal yearof high school (Year 121. This Student is grdteful for the financial support which enables herto finish her high hool education and we trust she will attain the neeessarygradesto continue to university next year. Holida Bible Club 2025 Our annual Holiday Bible Club was held in July 2025 over three evenings. This church outreach invited all primary school age children from our church and in the local community. 27 children came along. This year the child ren learnt about Moses. The programme included Bible stories, quizzes, memoryverses, songs. games and a craft. The craft related to the story the children had learnt that evening. Presb erian Women pw 2025 Our PW encourages women in their Christian life and invites them to know God's presence as they meet in fellowship and love. In PW we seek. through the Grace of God, to be a blessing in our homes, our church, our community and in the wider world. Our PW group, to which all ladies from ourcongregation are invited, usually met on the third Monday evening of each month from October to April. Between 12 and 14 normally attended. The PW Committee organised a programme of worship, reflective devotion5 and guest speaker5. We followed the PW theme for 202412025, "Entrusted" from the Inspirational book produced by the PW Panel at Assembly Buildings in Belfast. Our monthly programme from Januaryto April 2025 included.. A school teacher who spoke about "Passing on the baton of faith" Ministerfs wife who spoke about her journey of faith Craft evening and watching videos on PW Mission Fund-. Home and Overseas PW projects "Sewing through life" Ministerfs wrfe
an SECOND CAsfLEDERG PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRE$BERlAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) In February and October 2025 representatives from the group attended the PW Link meetings for the Omagh Presbytery. In March 2025 three ladies attended the Annual PW Rally which was held in Ardstraw Presbyterian Chureh. th Derg Parish Church celebrated their 80 Anniversary in March 2025 and this was attended by three ladies. Our annual PW service was also held in February 2025. Our guest speaker was Mrs Rosie Kennedy. wife of the Minister of Enniskillen Presbyterian Church, who had previously served with her husband as a Global Mission Worker in Romania. In Julythe congregation5 of Second Castlederg and Drumquin were given approval to form a new linkage. It was decided that both Seeond Castlederg and Drurnquin Pws would amalgamate to become one PW group. The joint PW Committees met twice to discu55 the way forward together and plan a programme. It was decided that during the first year ofthe amalgamation we would plan to get to know each other in fellowship. Our meetings would be on the second Monday evening each month and we would alternate our meetings between both church halls. In October 2025 we had our first joint meeting together. Our programme forthe rest of the year included.. Speaker from Northern Ireland Prison Fellowship Craft night and watching a video from Living Waters Ministries, Adopt-A-Child Christmas night with games, Christmas Carols and supper. Since 2019, the ladie5 of Second Castlederg PW group have sponsored a child through the Living Water Ministries Adopt- A- Child charity. The child we Sponsor is from Guatamala. The money we send to thi5 organisation contributes towards the cost of providing nutritional meals, and dental, medical and pa5tDral care for the child. The ladies write to the child, regularly also sending Christma5, Birthday and Easter cards to show our encouragement, SUPPOrt and Christian love. Many of the ladies who attend our meetings subscribe to "Inspire" The PW magazine which is published quarterly. In September and October 2025, the PW ladies, other members of our congregation. Urney congregation and communityeollected items for our annual shoe box appeal for the charity, Samaritan's Purse. 34 boxes were filled and collected. The shoe boxe5, containing suitable items for ehildren of varying ages, were subsequently sent to children in poorer parts of the world. These boxes brcught joy, hope and Christian love to these children who have so little.
Presbyter an SECOND CASTLEDERG PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRuEE5 ANNUAL REPORT (convd) During the year ladies save. in their Mission boxes, money which is sent to PW headquarters at Assembly Buildings, Belfast. This money is used to support Global Mission Worker5, PW Special Home Mission Project, PW Special Overseas Mission Project, Deaconesses, and the work of PW 5UPPOrting local PW groups and organising conferences. Second Castlede de 2025 The aim of the Girls. Brigade, being a Christian organisation, international and interdenominational, shall be.- To help girls to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ and through self-control, reverence and a sense of responsibility. to find true enrichment of life. The vision is that Girlg Brigade Northern Ireland will be recognised as a dynamic, relevant, Christ- centered organization, effectively reaching out to all girls to value, nurture and equip them for life. The motto is'seel SeNe and Follow Christ,. Girls, Brigade is a worldwide. interdenominational, Christian, youth organisation, for girls aged 3 to 18 years. We meet outside school hours and offerouryoung girls in the community an escape from the pressures of their everyday world. The company is run by officially trained volunteers. The Girlg Bri¥dde programme is built on four headings, Spiritual, Physical. Educational and Service. The leaders present a balanced, age-related programme suitable for the needs and interests of the girls, based on these four prirnary areas. The number of girls and leaders attending has been consistent. We have girls from our own ongregation and. also a large number attend from the neighbouring churches. The company is d ivided into four sections. Explorers 3-7 years,. Juniors 8-10 years- Senior5 11-13 years- Brigaders 14-18 years. We meet each week from the beginning of Septemberto the end of March. We attended the annual District Parade and Service. We held our Parents. Evening and Display where the girls Put on a varied programme of singing, dancing, choral speaking and drama. We had a pizza evening with fun, games and friendship. Awards and gifts were distributed to the girls. Six leaders attended a First Aid course and successfully achieved their certificates. Trainee sub-officers attended GB webinars on safeguarding and theory knowledge. They attended formal District Training Evening and commeneed practical work within the company under the guidance of an offieer. The companywas represented at the wreath-laying ceremony. parade and church service on Remembrance Sunday. We attended the joint Girls. Brigade and Boys, Brigade Enrolment Service. io
an SECOND CAsfLEDERG pRES8ERlAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) Seniors had a netball competition organised by our Distrirt Executive and qualified to compete at the GBNI final. The girls enjoyed having lots of fun and fellowship at this event. The evening concluded with a visit to McDonald's. The older girls had a Christmas shopping trip to Foyleside Centre. The officers and leaders organised Christmas parties and refreshments for all sections. A welcome visit from Santa wtth the presents went down a treat. Explorers had worship, songs, craft, no-bake cookery, garnes and stories Wlth lots of visual aids as in big pieture books, puppets and posters. The Children's Bible was used with the very young gir15 and colour-in-sheets, while the older Explorers followed the Biblical course set by the spiritual team of GBNI. Juniors, Seniors and Brigaders had the GBNI scripture teaching and Bible class. These same sections enjoyed a variety of crafts, cookery. sport and brigade knowledge in the weekly programme. Seniors and Brigaders participated in group challenges, teamwork and decision making. Second Castleder ade 2025 Second Qstlederg Boys, Brigade Company come5 under the goverrtance of The Northern Ireland Boy5, Brigade IBBNII. which is committed to providing opportunities for boys to meet and engage in a range of fun and developmental experiences. The aim of Boys, Brigade is,'The advancement of Christ's Kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline. Self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness by helping children and young people grow in confidence, gain a sense of belonging as part of a team, try new things, develop new skills. discover their potential, and leam about God's love. Our Company welcomes boys from the local area and a large proportion of these are not members of our Congregation. The company is divided into three section5'. Company Section, for boys aged 11- 18 years,. Juniorsection, for boys aged 8- 11 year5,. Anchor Boys, for boys aged 4- 7 years. Our Boys, Brigade groups normally rneet each week from Septernber to the end of March and all boys took part in the joint Girls, Brigade/Boys' Brigade enrolment seNice held in December 2025. This service was well sUPPOrted by boys and parent5. In March, the Junior and Company Section5 took part in the Battalion parade. The season closed at the end of March wrf(h the annual Parents, Evening and Displayp in which all the boys and leaders took part. li
an SECOND CASTLEDERG PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) All boys pay an enrolment fee of £10 at the beginning of the year and then pay a weekly subscription of £1.00. Other income came frorn donations made at the annual Enrolment Service and at the Parentg Night. From the income received, capitation fees have to be pa id annually to BB Headquarters and the remainder is spent on supplies for weekly activities, transport to events and prizes forthe endf-year Parents, Evening. BB encourages boys to be conscious of the needs of others and, in October 2025, the boy5 colleeted non-peri5hable food items which were used to decorate the Boyd Brigade window for the HaNest Thanksgiving services in the church. After the evening service, these items were delivered to a10¢31 Foodbank for distribution. In November, boys from the Junior and CompanySection5 took part in the wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial during the Remembrance Day Parade in the town centre. Bri ade Nl-Anchor Bo Our Anchor Boys started off the 2025 year with a Games Night. which the boys enjoyed. We continued through January with weekly Bible stories, crafts and games. In February we cooked pancakes and made some lovely Valentine's gifts. The boys enjoyed working from their Ulster- Scots booklets, especially learning phrases and garnes and about the bagpipes and tartan. We then started to practise for our Parents Night display which is always in March. The boys worked hard and we had a great night at our display. Anchor Boys perforrned three items, which were marching. team games and, in keeping with the Scottish theme, singing'No You Canny Throw Your Granny Off The Bus,. All boys received their badge and a gift. Anchor Boys recomrnenced at the end of September starting with our registration night, at which 27 boys were registered. Our weekly meetings are on Wednesday evenings, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in our Church Hall. We hosted the Anchor Boy Fun & Game5 for all companies in our battalion, and both our team5 did well. We ended 2025 with an enjoyable party and all boys received a small gift. 12
Presbyter an SECOND CAsfLEDERG PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE pREsBER1AN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVdl Bri ade Nl - Junior Section There were 18 boys in the 2024-25 session and 14 boys registered for the new session in September 2025. Junior Section meets on Friday evenings, from 6.30 to 7.45 prn, with the boys taking part in games, including football, land, sea and air and team garnes in squads. They also had arts & crdfts and Cookery. along with Bible work, including mime, Bible quizzes and word searches. As well as taking part in Registration, Remembrance Sunday wreath-layin& Enrolment Service, Battalion PaTrde and Display/P8rents' Evening with the rest of the Company, the boys also took part in the Battalion Five-a-side football competition in the Newtownstewart Centre, at which one of our teams reoched the final,. two games and football nights at the Derg Valley Leisure Centre,. the Battalion Junior Quiz,. St John's Ambulance First Aid Training and a Christmas Outing to the cinema. Bo Bri ade Nl - Com an Settion 21 boy5 registered in the Company Section in September 2025, Meeting on Friday evenings after Junior Section, from 7.45 to 9.15 pm. Each session begins with Bible Study and the boys regularly enjoy drill traininE, gymnastics (box workl, football, volleyball and team games. In 2025, as well as taking part in Registration, Remembrance Sunday wreath-layin& Enrolment Service, Battalion Parade and Display/Parents' Evening with the rest of the Company, the boys also took part the West Ulster Battalion Company Sertion Competitions in volleyball, where they won the competition, cross- country runnin& football and ten-pin bowling. They also took part in a quiz wtth a neighbouring company and participated in the comrnunity-run VE Day Anniversary celebrations in the town centre. In December, they took part in the first part of a two~part session of First Aid training. The older boys of suitable age may also prepare for their President's and Kin¢s badges, which are the highest awards in the Boys, Brigade. These involve commitment and perseverance as the boys complete the various elements. The King'5 Badge cand idates must already hold a President's badge and enhance their personal development through expanding the skills, knowledge and experiences acquired in gaining the President's badge, extending these to activities outside their church or BB. This gives the boys a sense of purpose, develops a wide range of life skills outside the education system and teaches them teamwork as well as how to work individuallyto a specifie timeframe. In 2025, three boys from ourcompany were awarded their Kinls Badges in March, while another three boys gained their President's Badge. 13
Presbyter an SECOND CAsfLEDERG PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRusfEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Sunda School 2025 Re ort We encourage, in our children, an understanding of the importance of attending Church and Sunday School, putting God first in our lives, and the importance of pYer and praising God. 32 children and young people were registered (divided into three classes), six Sunday School teachers, three parent helper5 and three teenage helpers. We have three leaders for each group, working alternate months. Janua June 2025 The children follow the Go Teach workboo, studying the l AM Sayings- l am the Resurrection and the Life; l am the Way, the Truth and the Life; l am the True Vine- l arn the Good Shepherd. We also celebrated special Sundays- Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday Icommunionl, Mothering Sunday. As well as listening to Bible stories and completing lessons. leaders prepared crafts and colouring pages, linked to stories and memory verses. We selected a memory verse to foeus on each month, and used crafts regularly, along with games and quizzes, to make lessons fun. We read stories and used YouTube, availing of excellent Story and music videos to assist teaching. In June we had our Youth and Young People's Service; all child ren took part, sharing the stories and "l Am" memory verses taught in Sunday School. We presented Sunday School prize5. Younger children received Bible storybooks and children moving to the senior classes received a Bible, while the older children received a voucher. We had our barbecue after the service and donations were given to the charity, "Young Lives vs Cancerf,. Mr Whippy was invited along and everyone was treated to an ice cream. In August we gave invitation5 to any new parents with children of Sunday School age, to encourage and warmly invite them to join us in September. A meeting was organised in late August for Sunday School teachers, to disCUSS the teaching programme and activities for the year ahead. tember- December 2025 From September until December we used the Mosaic resource, "God is Love" Joseph's Dreams- To realise that even when things are bad, God has a plan. Do Whavs Right-To remember that we should alway5 do the right thing. Pharaoh's Dreams-To know that God is looking after us and will help us when we need it. Ruth- God guides people's lives so that they tan look after each other. People Jesus met- Focus on the Lord's Prayer- Zacchaeus. Christmas 14
Presbyter an SECOND CASTLEDERG PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Iconvdl In October, we had a Sponsored Walk with donations goingto Young Livesv5 Cancer. Children also rnade harvest and Christmas erafts to take home. Sunday School decorated a window in Church for the HaNest Service. A special Carol Service was organised for Sunday School children. The junior members performed a short script, sharing the Christmas story, and younger children dressed in costurne. Older children did reading5 and lifted the colleetion, and all the children sang. We created a Parents. WhatsApp group, to communicate with parents and share photos of Sunday School activities. Second Castleder Bowlin Club The Bowling Club meet5 on Wednesday evenings from 8.00pm until 10.00pm from JanLtary to March and from Septemberto December. At the beginning of 2025, from January to March. we had about 18 player5 every week, but when we returned in September, some of our older members did not return due to illness or infirmity. Sixteen members registered for the Season and an average of eight to ten turned up each week. Approxirnately half of our bowler5 were members of Second Castlederg Presbyterian Church and the rest came from the surrounding district. There was a very mixed age demographic, with four joining their parents or grandparents as well as a number of members of advanced age. Each adult rnember paid an annual fee of £20.00, and there was a £5 charge for school children. The club made a donation of £250 to Second Castlederg Presbyterian Church. Severdl of the younger members played in competitions at other clubs, while the older members, several of whom Iwe alone, enjoyed the fun and companionship of competing in their home club against their friends and being able to have some social contact. The club was pleased that sorne neuro-diverse members who took up bowls last year have continued to enjoy coming to the club and have blossomed under the care and attention of the regulars. All the members enjoyed their up of tea and biscuits, with the weekly chat and mutual support that is so important for all. 15
an SECOND CASTLEDERG pREsBER1AN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Iconydl Friendshi Grou 2025 This group began in November 2024 in response to an increasing awareness of the problems of loneliness in the area. It is a drop-in get-together which runs in our Church Hall on the last Friday on every month, from 10.30am to 12.00 noon. This cross-community group is open to everyone {ladies and gents} in the community of Castlederg and District and they are invited to come along for refreshments and fun in a warm and welcoming space. There is no charge- this is not a fund- raising venture; it Is, rather, a way of extending the hand of friendship to all in our community. During 2025. we had an average of 15 to 20 guests at each meeting with a total of 30- 40 different people corning over the course of the year. As well as sharing food and INely conversation, we have, so far, been able to provide an item of interest each month- over the course of the year, we have had two sing-alongs with country-and- western/country-gospel singers,. talks by PSNI {Safety in the Home) and a pharmacist (Healthy Lifestyle and Appropriate Dietary supplements),. opportunities to plant a small pot of spring flowers and to make a Christmas tree decoration- two sessions with board games; funny stories and poems from one of our l@aders. The Friendship Group provides valuable and enjoyable contact and social interaction for all who come to our monthly meetings. Volunteers None of this outreach, ministry and service to the community would be possible without the large number of people who volunteer to be involved in the work and witnes5 of Second Castlederg. The Trustees recognise their commitment, their dedication and their willingne55 to share their time and abilities. We also record our gratitude to the mernbers of the Church Committee, past and present, for their faithfulness. hard work and the multitude of way5 that they make a difference through the sharing of their tirne and the living out of their faith. 16
Presbyter an SECOND CAsfLEDERG PREsBERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) PUBLIC BENEFIT sfATEMENT 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 advaneement of religion. The dirert benefits which flow from the purposes of the Church include the gaining of an understand ing 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 mordl 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 benefit5 are delivered lotally 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 eases. 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 frorn members, their families, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only prtvate 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 beneficiarie5 Of this purpose are members, their families. other individuals with whom the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in direct and indirect contact, the community in which pastoral seNices are provided a nd 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 member5 Of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commis5ion5 public benefit requirement statutory guidance. 17
an SECOND CAsfLEDERG PRE58YfERIAN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE pRE5BERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income 15 members, contribution5 through the Weekly Freewill Offering which totaled £74,161 in 20251£74,CKJ3 in previous year}. Total income for 2025 was £136.5601£144,027 in previous year). Total expendtture increased from £90,146 to £138,553 in the year. This included £18.462 of repair work to the church and £24,521 of repair work and replacing the kitchen in the manse. RESERVES The Trustees of Second Castlederg Presbyterian Church have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that it is appropriate to hold, taking account of current and ongoing commitments. is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least six months, normal expenditure. At the year end, unrestricted reserves were £153,207, which represents a higher level of reseTves. The Trustees, however, consider it prudent to hold reserves at this level as the funding of its present activities is dependent on the ongoing financi31 support of member5. 18
Presbyter an SECOND CASTLEDERG pREsBER1AN CHURCH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) srATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice. As the congregations total income does not exceed £250,000. the Trustees have elected under Section 64131 of the Charities Act (Northern I relandl 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 tnsactIOnS and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position. They are also responsible for safeguarding the a55et5 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 7 May 2026 and signed on its behalf by Daphne Watt Alex Fletcher 19