Presbyter an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC105616)
an NEWTOWNSTEWART 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 2023 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Newtownstewart congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 43A Moyle Road Newtownstewart Co. Tyrone BT78 4AP Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC1056161 CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were Rev JJ Boyd (Appointed l January 2024) RS Brown N Donald DJ Dunbar RAJack AM Kemps RS Moore WJ Baxter (Resigned 31 December 2023) AW Dunbar (Deceased 16 April 2023) st Rev J Cowan {Resigned 31 December 2023) PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Convenor in charge of Vacancy Clerk of Session Treasurer Rev JJ Boyd DJ Dunbar RS Moore INDEPENDENT EXAMINER McFarland Arnold & Co 8 Main Street Newtownstewart Co Tyrone BT78 4AA BANKERS SOLICITORS Mcconnell & Fyffe Solicitors 21 Church Street Omagh BT78 IDG Danske Bank 5-7 Market Street Omagh BT78 IBN
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd} STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT The Kirk Session The charity trustees of the congregation are the members of its Kirk Session, Under the congregation's governing document, The Code, the book of the constitution and government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Kirk Session seeks to watch over and promote the spiritual interest of the congregation and of persons not connected with any congregation who are within its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place in the congregation and seeks to further the contribution of the Church to Christian witness and service in the local community. The Kirk Sessions have delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation including administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-officio members of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the congregations. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except that the Moderator, the ministers in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk Session are held at least twice in each year or as appropriate. To be chosen for the office of the eldership in the congregation a person must be a voting member and a regular attendant on its ordinances. The selection of those proposed to be called to the office can be either bythe congregation or bythe Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance, the corporate oversight of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Newtownstewart congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Omagh 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 NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'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. Atthe 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. Newtownstewart congregation of the Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church within the wider body of Christ is grounded in the Scriptures, and exists to love and honour God through faith in His Son and by the power of His Spirit, and to enable her members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregation's mission statement is as follows: We, the congregation of Newtownstewart Presbyterian Church which is part of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, seek to worship God in a mannerthat reflects scripture, is passionate about people and Centred in Christ. God has revealed Himself to us as our loving Heavenly Father. He has sent his Son to be our Saviour and He has granted us His Holy Spirit to make us more like Jesus individually and corporately, and to lead us in His mission to the world. We seek to live out our faith through commitment: To God in worship To the Bible in obedient discipleship To sharing the good news of Jesus in faithful evangelism To the world in compassionate mission To one another in caring fellowship
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visltors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on several occasions during the year and all those who have been baptised and who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are admitted to the Lord's Supper. The congregation holds regular bible study meetings and has a wide range of organisations including Sunday School Presbyterian Women {PW) Bowling Club Badminton Club ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Worship and prayer The congregation has been blessed with the reappointment of Rev John Hanna as a 'Stated Supply, Minister for the year 2023. Rev Hanna works on a part-time basis, leading Sunday Worship in Newtownstewart Presbyterian Church and our joint charge, sister church in Gortin, Rev Hanna also carries out Pastoral visitation and chairs any necessary Session and Committee or other church related meetings on a Wednesday. A further'stated Supply, Minister, Rev Dr. Rob Craig, has been secured to take over from Rev st Hanna following the conclusion of his term of office on 31 December 2023. This will provide much needed continuity to the Ministry and pastoral work of the church during 2024. The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 10.45am and for special missionary or praise services from time to time. During the COVID pandemic Sunday Services were either cancelled altogether or managed in strict accordance with Government and Presbyterian Church in Ireland guidance. Thankfully, due to the relaxation of these COVID restrictions, Sunday Services have more or less resumed to pre-COVID activities and attendance levels. Church organisations have also resumed including Sunday School, Presbyterian Women's group and Mid- Week Bible Study / Prayer Group. During the year 2023, one Sacrament of Baptism was conducted but no marriage services took place. Again, as a result of the relaxation of COVID restrictions It has been possible to conduct funeral services within the Church building to give thanks for faithful services and to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. As of 31 December 2023 there were 219 communicant members and 120 families connected with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worship is 60. 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 Stated Supply Minister or the Church Elders.
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Mission and outreach During the year the Church held a number of fellowship and outreach events, including an Autumn Mission Weekend with the surplus of funds after expenses1£287) going towards the Presbyterian Church's United Appeal for Mission. Other outreach events included a Holiday Bible Club Summer Scheme for young persons, a Praise and Pudding Evening and Praise Service featuring the Ballyclare Male Voice Choir. A very successful Coronation Tea Party held on 19 May 2023 attracted a wide and appreciative audience from the local community. A cross community Golf Tournament also proved to be very popular and successful, raising much needed funds for the church, Donations to outside bodies included £525 to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, £391 to the Presbyterian Children's Society and £250 to the Child Evangelist Fellowship Organisation. The congregation donated over £4,640 to 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 its own, The United Appeal Fund provides financial support for mission personnel at home and overseas, assists congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant support 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 congregation in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. The congregation also contributed over £832 to the denomination's annual World Development Appeal, as well as meeting its commitments to central church funds through payment of quarterly assessment5. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our Convenor and / or one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. General Assembly The Convenor and one of our elders were nominated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland held in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, in June. Property Throughout the year, all church property has been maintained to a very high standard and the church continues to rent out the Manse property to a family who are members of the congregation. The tenancy is subject to a contract drawn up in accordance with Church House rules and regulations. The adjoining 8rounds, including lawns and hedges, have been regularly attended to. All Church buildings are considered fit for purpose.
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd} Organisations The Bowling Club, which normally meets every Thursday evening in the main hall, has not resumed activities since the COVID lockdown but this decision is being kept under review, as is the resumption of Badminton Club activities. 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. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefitto 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 benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their families, and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit flowingfrom 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 organisation5, charities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance.
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering, There were a total of 108 contributors during the year, down slightly on the previous year (120 in 2022), however, the level of giving increased by £2,265 to a sum of £46,919 {£44,654 in previous year, 20221 Total income of the congregation during the year increased to £88,848 compared to £81,873 in the previous year. This represents an increase of £6,975 and reflects a continued growth in income following on the back of last year's increase of £13,363. This is a very positive trend for the church given the financial pressures faced by the members of our congregation and the wider community as a whole. Total expenditure has shown an increase to £58,137 compared to £44,866 in 2022, an increase of £13,271, which includes a one off sum of £5,904 for supply and installing of display screens in church. This results in a surplus for the year of £30,711. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statement5 of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice. As the congregation's total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section 64131 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 to prepare a receipts and payments account and a statement of assets and liabilities. TheTrustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation'stransactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at anytime its financial position. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the congregation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 19 I | and signed on its behalf by Dated: 271oy22Qa Dated:
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND We report on the financial statements of Newtownstewart Presbyterian Church for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise statement of financial activitie5, Statement of assets and liabilities and the related notes. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It is our responsibility to:. Examine the financial statements under section 65 of the Charities Act INI) 2008. Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 6519)Ib) of the Charities Act INI) 2008. State whether particular matters have come to our attention. Basis of independent examiner's report We have examined your charity financial statements as required under Section 65 of the Charitie5 Act INI) 2008 and our examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 6519)(bl of the Charities Act (Nl) 2008. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept bythe charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. Our role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention giving us cause to believe: l. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act INI) 2008. 2. That the financial statements do not accord with those accounting records. 3, That the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act {NII 2008 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparingtheirfinancial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Independent examiner's statement We have completed our examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters {11 to141 listed above and, in connection with following the directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, we have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. McFarland Arnold & Co Chartered Accountants 8 Main Street Newtownstewart Co Tyrone BT78 4AA Chartered Accountants Dated: 30 Ap,'I loa
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY (Receipts and Payments Account) for the year ended 31 December 2023 Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Receipts Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment Income Other 49,956 3,901 20,071 1,125 5,208 3,431 1,100 70,027 5,026 5,208 6,263 2,324 69,068 1,003 5,208 6,444 150 2,832 1,224 57,913 30,935 88,848 81,873 Sale of Investments Sale of fixed assets Loans Received Total Receipts 57,913 30,935 88,848 81,873 Payments Raising funds Charitable activities Investment costs Other 500 28,497 500 56,421 434 42,658 27,924 1,216 1,216 1,774 28,997 29,140 58,137 44,866 Purchase of Investments Purchase of fixed assets Loan Repayments Total Payments 28,997 29,140 58,137 44,866 Net receipts / (payments) Transfers between funds 28,916 134 1,795 1134) 30,711 37,007 Net movement in funds Funds brought forward 29,050 64,096 1,661 156,455 30,711 218,890 37,007 181,883 Funds carried forward 12 93,146 154,794 249,601 218,890 10
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As at 31 December 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Fund5 Reconciliation Bank and Cash at start of year Net movement in funds 64,096 29,050 154,794 1,661 218,890 30,711 181,883 37,007 Bank and Cash at end of year 93,146 156,455 249,601 218,890 Bank & Cash Balances Investments - Note 11 Bank Deposit Accounts Bank Current Accounts Cash in Hand 691 248,910 682 218,208 249,601 218,890 Other Assets Fixed Assets - Note 10 Church Premises Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment Vehicles Investments- Note 11 Gift Aid receivable on donations 4,355,249 4,051,395 280,529 259,429 4,635,778 4,310,824 Liabilities Loans Other Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 291CryLt I and 51 ned on its behalf by Dated: . 1/0 i/uL 11
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the year ended 31 December 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As the total income of the congregation is le55 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 (a) 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 balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis. Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the congregation's general purposes, Designated funds are general funds set aside by the congregation for use in the future. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Recorded giving Loose collections Donations and gifts Gift Aid Legacies and bequest 33,778 1,406 6,253 8,519 13,141 901 3,984 2,045 46,919 2,307 10,237 10,564 44,654 923 3,693 9,798 10,000 49,956 20,071 70,027 69,068 12
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) For the year ended 31 December 2023 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Income from charitable activities Fees from weddings and funerals Fundraising events PW Membership fees Grants 3,901 3,901 125 1,000 125 1,000 103 900 3,901 1,125 5,026 1,003 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Letting of premises Trading income 5,208 5,208 5,208 5,208 5,208 5,208 INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Deposit interest General Investment Fund Rents investment properties Other investment income 14 1,155 23 3,978 2,823 4,129 2,262 2,262 2,313 2,832 3,431 6,263 6,444 13
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) For the year ended 31 December 2023 OTHER INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Insurance claims Other income 1,224 1,100 2,324 150 1,224 1,100 2,324 150 RAISING FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 FWO envelopes Fundraising events 500 500 434 500 500 434 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 General Assembly Assessments Presbytery fees Ministry and support staff costs Congregational running expen5e5 Donations to Missions and charities Governance costs 3,428 319 11,488 12,692 3,428 319 11,488 31,486 9,130 2,928 267 10,387 18,876 9,720 18,794 9,130 570 570 480 28,497 27,924 56,421 42,658 14
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {cont'd) For the year ended 31 December 2023 OTHER EXPENDITURE Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Rental expense5 1,216 1,216 1,774 1,216 1,216 1,774 10. FIXED ASSETS The congregation owns the following premises and the associated fixtures, fittings, plant and machinery which have insurance values as follows: Church Building Church Hall Manse 43A Moyle Road, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone, BT78 4AP 43A Moyle Road, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone, BT78 4AP 82 Dublin Street, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone, BT78 8LA 3,223,809 753,631 377,809 4,355,249 11. INVESTMENTS The congregation has the following investments which are shown at market valuation. 2023 2022 General Investment Fund Other investments- Nl Central Investment Fund 203,102 186,246 77,427 73,183 280,529 259,429 15
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) For the year ended 31 December 2023 12. FUND BALANCES Fund Balance at Receipts Payment Surplus / Transfer Balance at start (Def icit) end Unrestricted Funds General Fund 64,096 57,913 28,997 28,916 134 93,146 64,096 57,913 28,997 28,916 134 93,146 Restricted Funds General Fund Missions & Charities Property Fund Bowling Club PW Fund Sunday School Other events 1,000 8,652 19,345 14 405 296 1,223 1,000 16481 2,141 14 {266) 1169) 12771 (1,0001 420 7,488 144,775 1,236 1,295 9,300 17,204 7,260 146,916 1,250 1,029 671 465 1,500 169 277 154,794 30,935 29,140 1,795 (1341 156,455 Endowment Funds Total 218,890 88,848 58,137 30,711 249,601 16