FIRST DERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The trustees present thelr annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. The financlal slatements have been prepared in accordance with Ihe accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial and comply with the Church's constitution, the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and "Accounting and R6POrtlng by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice appllcable to charlties preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effectiv& 1 January 2015)" Objectlves and actlvltles First Derry Presbyterian Church is 8 congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland IPCI). The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church wtihin the wider body of Christ is grounded in the Scriptur8s, and èxists 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 principal function of the Church is to support the advancement of religion through holding services of worship and other religious activities. These, and all thal follow, ar8 open to anyone of appropriate age and gender to access, without regard lo whether they are members of the Church's congregation. This is fundamental to the practical delivery of Ihe benefits of Christianity. First Derry Presbyterlan Church has a unlque location on the Walls of the City with our parish 8rea includlng the Clty of DerrylLondondery and beyond, Demographic changes on the Cityslde during Ihe 'troubles' and beyond have greatly affected Church popu18tions and at First Derry Presbyterian Church we have been compelled to find new ways to reach out to our local area. Our congregation seeks to fulfil the commlsslon of 'Salt and Light, to our community through belng a welcomlng presence on the City Walls with our doors open to all. The congregation met for worship every Sunday and visitors. iespective of race, religion or gender, are welcome lo join. Worship is shared with Monreagh Presbyterian Church. The Sacrament of the Lord's Suppèr was observed twice during 2023, in the Spring and the Autumn, The congregation has a wde range of organisations including.. Sunday School Crech8 during Sunday worship Men's Club Presbyterian Women Pantry Project (Food Bank) The congregation is actively involved in this project working across all wmmunities providing crisis intervention to those experiencing food povety. The ethos behind this project is community giving back to community. Cuppa Sunday On the first Sunday of each month, prior to Moming Worship we meet in the Church hall for friendship and refreshments. This has proved very popular and many of the congregation come eady to avail of this facility. The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Church should undortake.
FIRST DERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Achlevements and performance Worship and prayer Worship each Sunday was conducted by The Rev Colin Jones, visiting ministers and Accredited Preachers (including Mrs Susan fhomas, one ofthe Church's members). During the year 3 Sacrament's of Baptism was carried out. Al 31 December 2023 there w8re 427 members on the communion roll with 255 of famllies under the pastoral care of the congregation. The average weakly atténdance al moming worship was 90. Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend Church due to sickness or ag& are visited on a regular basis by one of the Elders. A recording of each service is undertaken and links are available lo Church members on request. The Elders visit each memberlfamily in their district prior to each communion service and visit members who are unwell or unable to attend Church either in their home or in hospital. Ml$8lon and outreach Mlsslon Statemenl First Derry, the oldest Presbyterian Church in Londonderry, Ihe second City in Northem Ir81and, is in the community for the community. Fulfllllng th18 Mlsslon At a local level the congregation aims to fulfil its mission by.. demonstrating God's love and taking thè Gospel message to all our neighbours. establishlng and building connections of friendship with other denomlnations. sharing our beautifully restored Church building as a shared sacred and civic space and to thSs end we host many evenls, both for and by the local community, ranging from local sejvices to historians, talks. encouraglng our m8mb8rs to deepen their understanding of the Gospel and commitment to Chrlst through the weekly worship service with the sermon being the main source of this encouragement. memb8rs of all ages are considered vital by the Klrk Session and are encouraged to take part in worship through singlng in our choir, playing a musical instrument, reading a18sson, delivering the children's address and taking part in presentations. Informing our members about mission wllhln PCI through updates from the pulpit, an Annual PW Servlce. the quarterly United Appeal leaflets and thè Presbyterian Herald and Wider Wodd magazines. enthusing and equipping our members for mlssion through the weekly Sunday worship service where we are encouraged lo apply scripture lo everyday living and interacl with respect and love in our homes and places of study, work and recreation. Additionally, we are equipped for and participate in mission through various activities such as PW and Men's Club. Our young people receive preparation for mission through the work done by the dedicated leaders in the Sunday School and Bible Class. having a welcoming presence on the City Walls with our doors open to all. Since reopening the Church in 2011 after 9 years of displacement due lo dry rot there has been great interest in our story from across the city and beyond. The Blue Coat School Heritage Centre is situated to the rear of the Church building. 11 offers a unique insight into the story of Presbyterianism in the North West. Volunteer guides take visitors around both the Church and the Blue Coat Heritage Centre giving them the history of First Derry Church from the founding of the original Church in 1690 until the present day. The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a centr81 fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregalions 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. Th8 United Appeal Fund provides financial support for mission personnel al home and overseas, assists congregalions with the deployment of locally based staff, enables Church planting, provides grant support for the upkeep of Church premises, assisls with the running costs of Union Theological College, the Church's training college for ministry students, and financially supports the congregation in the arèas of worship, discipleship. global mission, outreach. leadership and pastoral care.
FIRST DERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Presbytery The congregation was repres@nted at the meetings of Presbytery by our Minister andlor one of the Elders. This provid8s an important link between the congregation and the widèr structures of tha Church. General Assembly The Minister and one of our Elders were nominated lo attend the annual meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, held in Assembly Buildings. Betfasl. in June 2023, Property The House and Property Committee are responsible for the upkeep of the Church and Manse. In July 2015 as a resull of a fire at a nearby store, large stained glass windows above the pulpit were slightly deformed. The damage is relatively minor and the Committee are sts'll considering th8 best way forward. Organlsatlons First Derry Ladies, group had another successful year in 2023 under the leadership of our mlnisterfs wrf6, Mrs Elizabeth Jones. Each of our monthly meetings had an attendance of 25-30 ladies and we were pleased to welcome some new faces. Our varied programme under the Ihem8s of 'Deeper Togeth8r' and 'Being Transformed, included storytelling wilh Madeline Mccully. an update of work in Malawi from the Convener of the PCI Global Mission Committee, aerobics. a dayirip to the Scarecrow Festival in Gracehill, a testament evening by singer songwriter Louise Campbell, our annual ladies, service in March and our Chrislmas meal and fun night in December. We continue to donate to bolh the home and overseas mission work of Presbyterian Women In Church House, Belfast and in 2023 we supported our local Kinship Care Christmas Appeal which had a huge response from our congregation. The Men's Club recommenced in January 2023, having been suspended for several years due to Coron8virus. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month. An exciting programme of talks was arranged. These included talks on The stralegic role of Londonderry in the Battle of the Atlantic. Problems faced by PSNI, Life as a District RecorderlJudge, the North West Model Aircraft Club (NWMAC), Life as an Amy Padre, Taxidermy and the Harbour Master spoke about the Port of Londondery. The May outlng was held at the Model Aircraft Club at Prehen. We enjoyed a flylng demonstrallon of a variety of aircraft and were then allowed to fly the planes ourselv8s. This was followed by a BBQ at the Club. The Men's Club is opan to all men In the City and they will be made most welcome. Sunday school returned for 2023 with us all meeting together in the lower hall. Primary 1 to Primary 4 incluslve, Primary 5 to Primary 7 inclusive, and the post Primary Blb18 Class. Although our numbers may be small it gives us the opportunity to come together on occasions and work as one big group. Our theme for our Children's Day service on the 18th June was 'Our Falhers.. As this coincided with Father's Day, we made it extra special by Inviting all the chlldren's dads to the front of the church. On that day our children and young people also got lo show theSr talents. On Wednesday 131h December we had our Sunday School Party at Extreme Bounce. On Sunday 17th December the children look part in the Family Chrislmas Service beginning with Ihe lighting of the advent candle. Once again, our children got involved through reciting of poems, reading prayers and a solo perfomiance. Volunteers The Trustee5 of First Derry Presbyterian Church wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who glve freely of their time by serving on committees and helping with organisations and other Church activities including Sunday School Teacher5, Creche Supervisors and Youlh Leaders.
FIRST DERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Public Beneflt Thè Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public benefit requirement by provldlng benefit to its members and the general publlc 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 lh8 gaining of an understanding in Christian beliets as set out in the Bible and in the Church's subordinate slandards (the Westminster Confession of Faith and Ihe Shorter and Larger Catechisms> leading to spiritual and moral development and opportunities for response to Bible teaching. In tum, this framework leads to praclical expressions of Chrislian beliefs and slandards 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 resourc8s in 81most 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 beneflts 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 lo harm. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose is relaled to Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits as a result of their holding office or employment. Howev8r, this is incidentsl and nec8ssary in order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpos8 are members, their families, other Indlvlduals that the Prèsbyterian Church in Ireland is In dlrect and indirect contact with. tho community in which pastoral services are provided and other communitles throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefit from our engagement with and 6UPPOrt for both Christian and other secular organlsatlons, ch8rilles and Indlvldual m8mbers of the publlc. The Kirk Session has had regard lo the Charity Commission's public benefit requirement statulory guidance. Flnancial review The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. The were 142 lamilies contributing during the year12022- 138) donating a total of £75,591(2022 £69,660), (note 3>, Total income of the congregation during the year was £92,908, an increase to the prevlous year Income of £89.016. Tolal expenditure increased from £147,503 in 2022 to £158,097 in 2023. This vms mainly due to a full year of assessment fe8s payable in relation to the Minister. 11 Is the policy of the Church that unr&stricted funds which hav& not been designated for a specific use should be maintained al a level equivalent to between three and six month's èxpènditure. The trustees consider that resetves at this level will 8nsur8 that, in the event of a significant drop in funding. they will be able to continue the Church's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional ndS may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout Ihe year. Golng ConGem The trustees understand and appreciate the importance of contributions from members of the congregalion to ensure the smooth running of the Church. The trustees believe that the congrègalion has sufficient resourc&s to meet any commitments that will arise in tho 12 months from the date of signing this Report. The trustees also appreciate that for this healthy financial situation to continue the Church will depend on the continuing support from members of the congregation through their contributions.
FIRST DERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Risk Revlew Rlsks are continually reviewed by Ihe truslees and systems and procedures Implemented where requlred to manage any identified risks. The principal risks are in relation to the likelihood of reputational damage and financial risks associatèd with the expectation of ongoing financial support from members. These risks are mitigated by the Tnjslees and the Congregational Committee regularly monitoring the various activities of the congregation at stated meetlngs and by encouraging members in Iheir regular giving.
FIRST DERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Structure, governance and management The Kirk Session The charily trustees of the congregation are the members of the Kirk Session. Under the ngregatIon'S governing document. The Code, the book of the constitution and government of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. the Kirk Session seèks to watch over and promote the spiritual interest of the congregation and of persons nol 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 Session has delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the Congregation including administering all funds and propety 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 congregation. All members are enlilled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except the Moderator and Ihe Ministers in active duly in the congregation who have no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk Session are held at least lce 8 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 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 approval from two-thirds of those who vote. Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance. the corporate oversight of a congregation Is the responsibllity of a Presbytery which superintends g8nerally the spiritual and temporal affairs of th6 congr&gatlon asslgned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. First Derry Presbyterian Church has be&n assigned to the Derry and Donegal Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery consists mainly of the actlve ministers of congregations assigned to il by the General Assembly, ministers who have retlred from active duty and an elder 8ppoint8d by the Kirk Session of each congregation. The Genèral A8sembly The General Assembly is the supreme court of th8 Church, representing in onè body th8 whole Church and acting as its supreme legislative, administration and judicial authority, in dealing with all matters brought before it, The Genèral 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 Ihe General Assembly consists mainly of the active Ministers of each congregation, retired Ministers and a represantative Elder appolnted by the Kirk Session of each congregation.
FIRST DERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial Statements were: Mr J M Agnew Mrs L Dickey Mrs S Dingley Mr W Hamilton MrWJKyle DrDRLee Mr R Mackey Mr C McC8ndless Mr A Mccartney Mr G Patterson Mr J Reid Mr8 D Simpson Mr C Tennis Mrs J Tennis Dr M Parker Mr C Wilson Mrs L Hamilton Reverend C Jones Trusle8s who are also Session Members are elected and appolnted by the congregation. Statoment of trustees, responslbllltles The trustees ar8 responsible for prepartng Ihe Trustees. Report and the financial stat8ment5 in accordanc8 Wlth applicable law and Unlted Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practlce). The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each rinancial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Church and of the inming resources and application of resources of the Church for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the Irustees are required to: selecl suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subjed to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial slatements- and prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responslble for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financlal positlon of the Church and enable them to ensure that the financlal statements comply with Ihe Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. the Charity {Accounts and Reports} Regulations {Northem Ireland) 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are a150 responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Church and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities,
FIRST DERRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. MrWJKyle Trustee Dated.. 19 April 2024 10-