an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 Reglstered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105616)
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 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 {NIC105616) 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) AA Black (Appointed 29 September 2024) RC Black (Appointed 29 September 2024) RS Brown N Donald DJ Dunbar WJ Hunter (Appointed 29 September 2024) RA Jack AM Kemps WM McKelvey (Appointed 29 September 20241 RS Moore 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 PRESBYfERIAN 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 by the congregation or by the Kirk Session. Members are elected if they obtain two-thirds of those who vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance, the corporate oversight of a congregation is the responsibility of a Presbytery which Superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Newtownstewart congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Omagh Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, The membership of the Presbyteryconsists 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 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 busines5. 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. 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, seekto 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 visitors are welcome to join, The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on several occasions during the year and all those who have been baptised and who have made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are admitted to the Lord'5 Supper. The congregation holds regular bible study meetings and has a wide range of organisations including Sunday School Presbyterian Women IPW) 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 5t 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 2024, no Sacraments of Baptism or 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 2024 there were 214 communicant members and 120 families connected with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at morning worship is 55. 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 PRESBYfERIAN 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 expenses {£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 £4,669 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 bas15 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 £902 to the denomination's annual World Development Appeal, as well as meeting its commitments to central church funds through payment of quarterly assessments. 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 grounds, 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 everyThursday 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 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 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 member5, 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 NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation'5 main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were a total of 102 contributors during the year, down slightly on the previous year1108 in 2023), however, the level of giving decreased slightly to a sum of £45,854 (£46,919 in previous year, 20231 Total income of the congregation duringthe year decreased to £82,913 compared to £88,848 in the previous year. Total expenditure has shown an increase to £104,416 compared to £58,137 in 2023, an increase of £46,279. Expenditure this year includes an amount of £50,520 paid for bell tower repairs. STATEMENT 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 congregation's total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section 64{3) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 to prepare a receipts and payments account and a statement of assets and liabilities. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting recordsthat are sufficientto show and explain the congregation's transactions 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 17 lo2 and signed on its behalf by Dated: Dated: 17- &l-2L*'Z)-
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND We report on the financial statements of Newtownstewart Presbyterian Church for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise statement of financial activities, statement of assets and liabilities and the related notes. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statement5 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 bythe Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(91{b) of the Charities Act (Nl} 2008. State whether particular matters have come to our attention. Basis of independent examinerfs report We have examined your charity financial statements as required under section 65 of the Charities 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 65(9)Ib) of the Charities Act (Nl} 2008. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. Our role 15 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 (NII 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 preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Independent examiner's statement We have completed our examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters11) to (4) 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; It 'JL.l¥lC Jsla
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY (Receipts and Payments Account) for the year ended 31 December 2024 Note Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Receipts Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment Income Other 45,160 22,392 110 5,208 3,989 2,064 67,552 110 5,208 7,819 2,224 70,027 5,026 5,208 6,263 2,324 3,830 160 49,150 33,763 82,913 88,848 Sale of Investments Sale of fixed assets Loan5 Received Total Receipts 49,150 33,763 82,913 88,848 Payments Raising funds Charita ble activities Investment costs Other 590 27,816 590 52,081 500 56,421 24,265 51,745 51,745 1,216 28,406 76,010 104,416 58,137 Purchase of Investments Purchase of fixed assets Loan Repayments Total Payments 28,406 76,010 104,416 58,137 Net receipts / {paymentsl Transfers between funds 20,744 (1,003) {42,2471 1,003 {21,5031 30,711 Net movement in funds Funds brought forward 19,741 93,146 141,244) 156,455 121,503) 249,601 30,711 218,890 Funds carried forward 12 112,887 115,211 228,098 249,601 10
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As at 31 December 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restrlcted Endowment Funds Funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Funds Reconciliation Bank and Cash at start of year Net movement in funds 93,146 19,741 156,455 141,2441 249,601 121,503) 218,890 30,711 Bank and Cash at end of year 112,887 115,211 228,098 249,601 Bank & Cash Balances Investments- Note 11 Bank Deposit Accounts Bank Current Accounts Cash in Hand 100,481 127,617 691 248,910 228,098 249,601 Other Assets Fixed Assets - Note 10 Church Premises Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment Vehicles Investments - Note 11 Gift Aid receivable on donations 4,573,012 4,355,249 292,769 280,529 4,865,781 4,635,778 Liabilities Loans Other Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on and signed on its behalf by Dated: Dated: 17-03 - Zo z.> 11
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS For the year ended 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 Ibl 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 Endowment Funds Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Recorded giving Loose collections Donations and gifts Gift Aid Legacies and bequest 36,143 369 2,187 6,461 9,711 1,196 6,738 3,747 1,000 45,854 1,565 8,925 10,208 1,000 46,919 2,307 10,237 10,564 45,160 22,392 67,552 70,027 12
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) For the year ended 31 December 2024 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Income from charitable activities Fees from weddings and funerals Fundraising events PW Membership fees Grants 3,901 125 1,000 110 110 110 110 5,026 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 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 2024 Total 2023 Deposit interest General Investment Fund Rents investment properties Other investment income 247 3,583 262 1,465 509 5,048 23 3,978 2,262 2,262 2,262 3,830 3,989 7,819 6,263 13
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {cont'd) For the year ended 31 December 2024 OTHER INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Insurance claims Other income 160 2,064 2,224 2,324 160 2,064 2,224 2,324 RAISING FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 FWO envelopes Fundraising events 590 590 500 590 590 500 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds 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 3,940 318 11,201 11,733 3,940 318 11,201 26,161 9,837 3,428 319 11,488 31,486 9,130 14,428 9,837 624 624 570 27,816 24,265 52,081 56,421 14
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) For the year ended 31 December 2024 OTHER EXPENDITURE Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Rental expenses Bell tower repairs 1,225 50,520 1,225 50,520 1,216 51,745 51,745 1,216 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 3,384,999 791,313 396,700 4,573,012 11. INVESTMENTS The congregation has the following investments which are shown at market valuation. 2024 2023 General Investment Fund Other investments- Nl Central Investment Fund 212,704 203,102 80,065 77,427 292,769 280,529 15
an NEWTOWNSTEWART CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {cont'd) For the year ended 31 December 2024 12. FUND BALANCES Fund Balance at Receipts Payment Surplus / Transfer Balance at start (Def icit) end Unrestricted Funds General Fund 93,146 49,150 28,406 20,744 11,003) 112,887 93,146 49,150 28,406 20,744 11,003} 112,887 Restricted Funds General Fund Missions & Charities Property Fund Bowling Club PW Fund Sunday School Other events 7,260 146,916 1,250 1,029 9,992 22,843 21 380 402 125 10,587 {5951 64,362 141,519} 21 54 (3331 125 447 348 7,112 105,745 1,271 1,083 326 735 333 1125) 156,455 33,763 76,010 142,2471 1,003 115,211 Endowment Funds Total 249,601 82,913 104,416 121,5031 228,098 16