MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND. TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED ST 31 DECEMBER 2023. Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC1056741
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT. The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2023 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, Shaw Campbell, Samuel Cuddy, Trevor Dallas, Thomas Espie, Clarke Hill, lan McNeill, Roy Maxwell, Norman Shaw, Maurice Stewart, David Thompson, James Thompson, Wesley Hutton, Fergus Ferguson, Lawrence Knox, Edward Lennox, Jonathan Coulter, Darren McKee and Jonny Marcus. PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS. Minister Thomas WA Greer Clerk of Se55ion 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 M olesworth Street, Cookstown. Co. Tyrone. BT80 8PH
MOLESWORTH 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 Se55ion seeks to watch over and promote the spirTtual 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-officio 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 as appropriate. Kirk Session met as necessary during 2023. 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. 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 consists mainly of the active min isters 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, 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. 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 represe ntative elder ppointed by the Kirk Se55ion 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 ages become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Our vision is, by the grace of God, to be an inclusive, welcoming community of Chrisvs 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 a5 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 areas in which we believe there is need to develop our work: a. Our first empha515 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 16.151. These a re not the only things that might need new thinking in our congregational life, but we believe that at thi5 time these Should tske 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 organisations incl udi ng: l. Prayer team 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
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE pRE5BERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRu¥fEES ANNUAL REPORTlcont'dl 13. Bowling club 14. Missionary committee 15. Congregational Committee and Sub-committees 16. Summer Bible Club. 17. 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 service5 are live streamed on social media for those unable to attend in per50n. As well as our regular service5 during the year we acknowledged God'5 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 ministryteam are available to help & assist those who seek prayer. They are available on text to receive requests for prayer. At 31 December 2023 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 Sickness, 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, pastoral care team 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 Fell0vh[P 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 (cont'd) Every Home Crusade Calvary Mission Westport Open Doors Logus Ministries Mission Aviation Fellowship Billy Swann Family Mission, Dublin supporting families providing food, shelter etc: Acre mission The congregation support5 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 oversea5, assists congregations with the employment of locally based staff, enables church planting, provides grant suppo rt 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. PRE5BYfERY 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 {conVdl GENERAL ASSEMBLY The minister and one of our elders were nominated to attend the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 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 had a good attendance 4. Senior Bible Class still closed. 5. 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. 6. Tuesday Fellowship. 7. Molesworth Men. 8. Boys Brigade. 9. Girls Brigade 10. Molesworth Youth Fellowship. 11. Presbyterian Women is an association of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and is open to women of all ages from within the congregation. Their aim is to support each other and to support missionaries. 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. 12. Catering Team is drawn from the congregation. The group meets the need for catering within the Congregation. 13. Bowling Club. 14. Reach- out reach team in partnership with other local churches
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT Iconvd) 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. General ly, 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 seniices 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 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 beneficiaries of this purpose are member5, their fa mi l i es, other individuals that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is in direct a nd 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 ststutory guidance.
MOLESWORTH CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'dl FINANCIAL REVIEW. The congregation's main source of income is member's contributions through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 190 contributors during the year {239 in previou5 year, 20201 donating a total of £92,917.1£88,951 in previous year, 2022). Total income of the congregation during the year was £208,506 compared to £210,234 in the previous year. There is no significant change in the level of income. Total expenditure decreased from £155,047 to £166,868. The current outstanding deficit of £103,384 will be paid off over a number of years by the congregation. RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT 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 ststement 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 (conydl 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 2015)" 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 £30,771. 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 Trustees 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 expectstion of ongoing financial support from members. These risks are mitigated by the Trustee5, 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 PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd). Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 19 June, 2023 and signed on its behalf by: Date: I Date: