MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND. TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022. Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105674)
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT. The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financi31 Statements for the year ended 31st December 2022 including a Balance sheet as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS. Molesworth congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, 69- 71 Molesworth Street, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. BT80 8PA. Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC105674). CHARITY TRUSTEES. Tom Greer, Trevor Allen, David Bayne, George Black, Shaw Campbell, Samuel Cuddy, Trevor Dallas, Thomas Espie, Clarke Hill, lan McNeill, Roy Maxwell, Norman Shaw, Maurice Stewart, David Thompson, James Thompson, Wesley Hutton, Fergu5 Fergu50n, Lawrence Knox, Edward Lennox, Jonathan Coulter, Darren McKee and Jonny Marcus. PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS. Minister Thomas WA Greer Clerk of Session James Thompson Treasurer Gareth Cuddy INDEPENDENT EXAMINER. McKinney Dawson Accountants, 28 Union Street, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. BT80 8NN BANKERS. Danske Bank, 5 - 6 Market Street, Dungannon. BT70 IAB SOLICITORS. Millar Shearer & Black, 40 Molesworth Street, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. BT80 8PH
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'dl STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENT THE KIRK SESSION The charity trustees of the congregation are the members of its Kirk Se55ion. 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 Session has delegated to its Congregational Committee the temporal affairs of the congregation including administering all funds and property belonging to the congregation. Members of the Kirk Session are ex-off icio members of the Congregational Committee. The Kirk Session consists of the ordained minister and the ruling elders of the congregation. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, 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 four time each year or a5 appropriate. Kirk Session met as necessary during 2022. 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 Èhose 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. PRESBYfERY. 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 oversight and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Molesworth congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Tyrone Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbytery con5iSts mainly of the active ministers of congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly, ministers who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation.
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) 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, adm inistration and judicial a uthority, in dealing with all matters brought before it. The General Assembly is normally constituted during the first week in June for worship and to conduct its business. At the end of business it is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly consists mainly of the active ministers of each congregation, retired ministers 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. Molesworth congregation of the Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church within the wider body of Christ is grounded in the Scriptures and exists to love and honour God through faith in His Son and by the power of His Spirit, and to enable her members to play their part in fulfilling God's mission to our world. The congregations mission purposes by the grace of God, to help people of all age5 become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Our vision is, by the grace of God, to be an inclusive, welcoming community of Chri5t'5 people of all ages, which: l. Is increasingly characterised by love for God, and love and concern for others; 2. Is committed to the historic Christian gospel as revealed in the Bible," 3. Is relevant to people of this time and place. The congregation aims to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God's people by being: l. A Covenant Community: where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by living faithfully toward him and toward one another 2. An intergenerational Community: where adults intentionally take the lead to engage with, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Christ 3. An Outward Looking Community: where we want the blessings of God that belong to us in the gospel to become blessings for others beyond the bounds of our community.
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'dl 4. As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, we believe that the Bible is the supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, along with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key matters of Christian faith and practice. 5. Molesworth congregation have identified three area5 in which we believe there 15 need to develop our work: a. Our first emphasis is on Prayer, believing that by this means Christians will be empowered to share the gospel effectively and unconverted people will be touched by the life-changing power of God. b. Our second concern for Fellowship and Contact with People recognises that we need to live, work and worship as the family of God, and be a community into which people will want to come; c. Our third concern for Reaching Out to the community is simply the acceptance of Jesus, command to, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation"; (Mark 16.'15). These are not the only things that might need new thinking in our congregational life, but we believe that at this time these should take priority. ACTIVIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is observed on four 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 prayer meetings, meetings for Bible study and has a wide range of organisation5 including: l. Prayerteam 2. Sunday School 3. Junior Bible Class 4. Senior Bible Class 5. Presbyterian Woman 6. Ladies Bible Study and Prayer meeting 7. Pastoral Care team 8. Tuesday Fellowship for senior citizens 9. Molesworth Men 10. Boys Brigade 11. Girls Brigade 12. Molesworth Youth Fellowship 13. Small Talk mother and toddlers
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT{cont'dl 14. Bowling club 15. Missionary committee 16. Congregational Committee and Sub-committees 17. Summer Bible Club. 18. Out reach teams ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE. WORSHIP AND PRAYER The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 11-30am and 6-30pm. The mid-week Bible Study provides an opportunity for members to meet for fellowship, to study the Scriptures and for a time of prayer. The morning service and funeral services are live streamed on social media for those unable to attend in person. As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledged God's gift of new life with the Sacrament of Baptism , we celebrated the joining together of men and women in holy matrimony and we gave thanks for faithful services and sought to comfort families who had been bereaved during the year. The Prayer ministry team are available to help & a55i5t those who seek prayer. They are available on text to receive req uests for prayer. At 31st December 2022 there were 254 communicant members and 244 families connected with the congregation. Average weekly attendance at morning worship is back to pre Covid levels. Our U Tube channel is growing in popularity receiving in excess of 100 views each week. PASTORAL CARE. Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to Sickne55, those in Hospital, Aged, Housebound, those in Residential Care or for any other reason are visited on a regular basis by the minister, pastoral care associate and district elders. MISSION OUTREACH. Our missionary committee provided guest speakers representing various mission fields home and abroad during the year and financially supported the following as well as other emergency appeals that arose during the year:_ WEC International Robin Scott, Prison Fellowship helping prisoners and their families in Northern Ireland Asia Link in various countries throughout Asia Tear Fund
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'dl Every Home Crusade Calvary Mission Westport Open Doors Logus Ministries Mission Aviation Fellowship Billy Swann Family Mission, Dublin supporting families providing food, shelter etc: The congregation supports the United Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This fund enables congregations to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on a denominational basis beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financi31 support for mission personnel at home and overseas, asslsts congregations with the employment 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 congregations in the areas of worship, discipleship, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. The congregation also contributes to the denominations annual World Development Appeals, Sunday School project and any other special appeals. PRESBYfERY The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and one of the Elders. This provides an important link between the congregation and the wider structures of the Church.
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) GENERAL ASSEMBLY The minister and one of our elders were nominated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in I reland held in the Assembly Buildings, Belfast. PROPERTY The recently completed major works project continues to be paid for by way of bank loan and congregational contributions. ORGANISATIONS l. Congregational Committee met as necessary. 2. Sunday School had an excellent attendance each Sunday. 3. Junior Bible Class resumed during the year with a good attendance 4. Senior Bible Class still closed. 5. Ladies bible study and prayer meeting. 6. Children's Church runs during the morning worship service and is held in the church hall. Children's Church comprises a welcome activity, chorus, Bible story, craft/game/quiz and a concluding plenary. 7. Tuesday Fellowship. 8. Molesworth Men. 9. Boys Brigade . 10. Girls Brigade 11. Molesworth Youth Fellowship. 12. Small Talk Parent and Toddlerstill c105ed. 13. Presbyterian Women 15 an association of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and 15 open to women of all ages from within the congregation. Their aim is to support each other and to support missionarie5. PW meet monthly for worship and fellowship. During the year PW gave support to missionary causes, and to PW mission fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. 14. Catering Team is drawn from the congregation. The group meets the need for catering within the Congregation. 15. Bowling Club.
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE pREsBER1AN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) 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 (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 member5, their families and members of the public. The purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit flowing from our purpose is related to Ministers, Missionarie5, Deaconesses, Irish Mission workers and Lay Agents who receive benefits a5 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 fam ilies, 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, charitie5 and individual members of the public. The Kirk Se55ion has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement Statutory guidance.
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW. The congregation's main source of income is memberfs contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 190 contributors during the ye3r1239 in previous year, 2020} donating a total of £73,215.1£63,504 in previous year, 20211. Total income of the congregation during the year was £210,234 compared to £ 192,128 in the previous year. The level of income is similar to previous year. Total expenditure increased from £141,542 to £166,868. The current outstanding deficit of £118,794 will be paid off over a number of years by the congregation. RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPEcf OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable Law of the United Kingdom and Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the State of affairs of the congregation and the financial activities for that year. In preparing the financial statement the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Funds will continue in operation.
MOLESWOTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'd) The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the funds transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the congregation and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities11 January 20151". 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. GOING CONCERN. The activities of the congregation are dependant on ongoing contributions from its members. The Trustees are of the opinion that the congregation has sufficient resources at the date of approval of these financial Statements to meet commitments which will arise in the year from the date of signing this report and subject to the continuing support from members to fund on an ongoing basis the congregation's activities and other financial commitments. RESERVE POLICY. The Trustees have considered the level of unrestricted reserves that is appropriate to hold taking account of current and ongoing commitments. It is the policy of the Trustees to hold at least one month normal expenditure. At the year end unrestricted reserves were £ The Trustees however, consider it prudent to hold reserves at this level as the funding of its present activities is dependant of the ongoing financial support of members. RISK REVIEW. A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Trustee5 and systems and procedures implemented to manage identified risks. The principle risks are in relation to the likelihood of reputational damage and financial risks associated with the expectation of ongoing financial support from members. These risks are mitigated by the Trustees, and the Congregational Committee, regularly monitoring the various activities of the congregation at stated meetings and by encouraging members in their regular giving.
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Icont'd). th Approved by the Kirk Session at 3 meeting on 19 June, 2023 and signed on its behalf by: Date: I q Date: