an PErriGO CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105679)
an PErriGO 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 Pettigo congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 42 High Street, Tullyhommon, Kesh, Co Fermanagh BT93 8DL Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC105679) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this roport were: Rev Gunther Andrich Mrs Irene Coulter MrThomas Read Mr Harold Hamilton- Emeritus Mr Alan Moore Mr Trevor Noble Mr Noel Baxter- Emeritus PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Minister: Clerk of Session: Treasurer: Rev Gunther Andrich Mr Alan Moore Mr Alan Moore INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Gary Thompson Bannagh Be& Kesh. Co Fermanagh BT93 8BY BANKERS Danske Bank Main Street, Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh BT94 IGJ SOUCITORS Fergusons Sollcltors 18 Belmore Street. Ennlsklllen, Co Fermanagh Bf14 6AA
an PEThGO CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENT The Klrk Sesslon 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 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 congregations. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except that the Moderator, the mini5ter5 in active duty in the congregation, has no deliberative but only a casting vote. Stated meetings of the Kirk session are held at least four times a 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 ordlnances. 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 responslblllty of a PreSberY which superintends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Pettigo congregation of the Presbyterian Church has been assigned to the Omagh Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The membership of the Presbsrtery consists mainly of the active mlnlsters 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 PErriGO CONGREGATION OFTHE PRESBYfERIAN 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 third 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 minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRiwfioN AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of the congregation is the advancement of religion. Pettl80 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 15 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 its members to play their part in fulfilling God's mlsslon to our world. The congregation's mission purpose is that Pettigo Presbyterian Church aims to be a community of Jesus, disciples, dedicated to honouring Him, in word and life. We see our church as welcomin& family focused, carln& and aiming to be faithful to the teaching of our Saviour. Our vision is to help our members to grow and develop in their Christian faith, to promote a wider interest in the needs of our community and the world around us, and by our lives, witness and example, to draw others to Christ, which: is increasingly characterised by love for God, and love and concern for others: is committed to the historic Christian gospel as revealed in the Bible; is relevant to people of this time and place. The congregatlon alms to live out its Mission and Vision as a family of God's people by being: A Covenant Community: where our relationships are rooted in the promises of God by living faithfully toward him and toward one another An Intergenerational Community: where adults intentionally take the lead to engage wlth, encourage and nurture younger members to maturity in Christ. An Outward looking Communlty: 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.
an pEIG0 CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {cont'd> As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, we belleve that the Bible is the supreme authority over all we do, and that the Westminster Confession of Faith, along wlth the Larger and Shorter Catechisms set out what we understand the Bible teaches on key matters of Christian faith and practice. AcfiviTIES AND OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is observed on three occasions during the year and all those who have been baptised and who have made a profe55ion of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are admitted to the Lord's Supper. The congregation holds regular prayer and bible study meetings, and it has a wide range of organisations including: Sunday School Presbyterian Women (PW) Girls, Brigade Boys, Brigade Kindly note, the Girls, Brigade and Boys, Brigade is comprised of members from the church and other local churches in the area, with its meetings being held in the Pettigo Methodist Church hall. AcHIEVEMErS AND PERFORMANCE Worshlp and prayer The congregation normally meets for worship each Sunday at 12.30pm. however during the month of July the service is usually at the earlier time of 9.45am and during August a joint service may be held with Irvinestown congregation, with which we are linked, at 11.00am in Iniinestown. During the week the Bible Study provides an opportunity for members to meet together for fellowship, to study the scriptures and for a time of prayer. As well as our regular services during the year we acknowledge God'5 gift of new life at Sacraments of Baptism, conduct marriage services and gave thanks for faithful service5 and sought to comfort those who had been bereaved during the year. No baptisms or marriage seniices took place In the church and sadly several members passed away during the year. At 31 December 2023 there were 78 communicant members and 42 families connected with the congregation. The average weekly attendance at worship is 24.
Presbyter an PETfiGO CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Pastoral care Members of the congregation who are unable to attend church due to sickness or age are vislted on a regular basis by the minister, elders or by one of the congregatlon's pastoral visitors. Mission and outreach At a local level the congregation reaches out through the regular preaching of God's Word, special services and the individual friendship evangelism of committed members. together with our youth and children's work. 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 congregatlon could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financlal support for mission personnel at home and overseas, assists congregatlons with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church plantin& provides grant support for the upkeep of church premises, assist with the running costs of Union Theologlcal College, the Church's training college for ministry students, and financially supports congregation in the areas of worship, dlsclpleshlp, global mission, outreach, leadership and pastoral care. The congregation also contributes to the denominations annual World Development Appeal, Sunday School project and any other special appeals. Presbytery The congregation was represented at the regular meetings of Presbytery by our minister and / or one of the elders. This provides an important link between the congregations and the wider structures of the church. 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 Assembly Buildings, Belfast, which Is normally held in June. Property Durlng the year there were no major repairs or refurbishment projects carried out on the property.
an PErriGO CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Organisations Sunday School continues with the children leaving to go out to Sunday School after the children's address. There is a wide age range with the children divided between two groups, Nursery to P6 and P7 to Year 10. The programme follows the Postal Bible School lessons as this works well and accommodates the wide age range. A team of teachers and supervisors volunteer on a rota basis to assist with Sunday School whilst ensuring compliance with child protection guidelines. The Sunday School year culminated in May with a Children's day service at which the children were presented with vouchers from Real Life bookshop and other treats. After the service everyone enjoyed an ice cream and an opportunity for social fellowship. Sunday School resumed again in the autumn and has continued on a weekly schedule with varyln8 attendance levels. At Christma5 the children were actively involved in the special all age family ser4ice on 17th December with a presentation on the true message and celebration of Christma5. The Presbyterlan Women's group {PW) normally meet on the first Tuesday evening of each month from September to April. Due to declining numbers it was not possible to meet every month but the group have met on several occasions for a short get together. They have also joined with Irvlnestown & Tempo PW groups for meetings. In December 2023 Pettigo PW supported the Christmas Tree Festival fundraising event in St Marfs Church Pettigo. This was a very successful weekend for the community with many Christm3S tree displays from local businesses and organisations in the area whlch culmlnated with a speclal church service on Sunday evening and all funds raised were towards the local care in the community. Pettigo Girls, Brigade, which was formed in 1960, is open to girls from the age of 4 to 17 years old. Members and leaders are drawn from Pettigo Presbyterian Church and other local churches. Meetings are normally held on Wednesday evenings in Pettigo Methodist Church hall from September to April and include activities such as crafts, bible studyi Sports and cooking. Several members of Pettigo Presbyterian Church are actively involved In leadership roles. Pettigo Girls, Brigade started for new session in September 2023 with 30 girls and 9 leaders on their records. Explorers and Juniors meet from 6.30 to 7.30 and Seniors and Brigaders from 7.45 to 9pm. Each group have enjoyed a varied programme of bible study, craft, games, charity and badge work. The GB season ended with their Display held on Friday 12 April 2024 and the leaders were greatly encouraged by the support of parents and friends Pettigo Boys. Brigade is comprised of members from the Pettigo Presbyterian Church, the Pettigo Methodist Church and other local churches. Meetings are held on Friday evening5 in the Pettigo Methodist Church hall. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who glve freely of their time by serving on committees and helping with organisation5 and other church activities.
an PEThIGO CONGREGATION OFThE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) 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 beliets 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 expre55ions 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 organi5ed and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facilitated by central resources In almost all cases. Publlc access is made known through the use of noticeboards, printed material, press advertisement, websites, and social media or in other ways. The benefrts 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 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 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 organlsations, charities and individual members of the public. The Kirk Session has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance.
an PErriGO CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) FINANCIAL REVIEW The congregation's main source of income is members, contribution5 through the Weekly Freewill Offering. There were 31 contributors durln8 the year (54 in previous year, 2022) donating a total of £17,516 (£19,159 in previous year, 2022). Total Income of the congregation during the year was £29,569, compared to £29,441 in the previous year. Total expenditure increased from £27,693 in the previous year to £30,059 in the year ended 31 December 2023. Although income for the year has Increased sllghtly from the previous year, the impact of inflation and higher costs has given rise to a greater increase in expenditure during the year. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBIUTIES The Trustees are responslble for preparing the annual report and the financial statements of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice. As the congregations total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section 64(3) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 208 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and liabilities. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting record5 that are sufficient to show and explain the congregatlon's transactlons and dlsclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 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 Klrk Session at a meeting on 11 June 2024 and signed on its behalf by Alan Moore Thomas Read Date: Date: 11 [..IEoU+