TULLYVALLEN RPC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022
The 2022 Annual General Meeting of Tullyvallen Reformed Presbyterian Church took place in the Committee Room at Tullyvallen on Thursday 23[rd] March 2023.
The meeting was chaired by Rev Philip Murphy and commenced with the singing of Psalm 85C (all), followed by prayer and the reading of Matthew Chap 6 verses 19 to the end, conducted by Mr Murphy. He reminded those present that their motivation should always be about Christ. Jesus warns you can’t serve both God and money. Serve Him and He will look after you; cast your anxieties upon Him and He will see you through. God through Malachi (Chat 3 v 10) challenged the people about their giving to Him, about robbing Him, but promising: “try me now in this …if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it”. The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of the heart, Mr Murphy reminded, not the Kingdom and the King the Israelites had been seeking. Put God first; seek to honour and glorify Him, he exhorted.
The Minutes of the previous meeting of 26[th] May 2022 were read and agreed. Rev Murphy went through the Reports made available for the meeting. He thanked those members who helped Synod host its Annual meeting at Armagh City Hotel, and in particular the Treasurer, Heather, for coordinating the booking and payment of meals. He commented on the times of joy and times of sorrow within the congregation mentioned in the Session Report: marriage, bereavements, engagements, sickness. He asked for continued prayer for those who had not returned after Covid, that they would once again worship and enjoy fellowship at Tullyvallen. Engagement with the young people of the congregation and wider area was very good, despite some decline in attendance at the Friday Club (attendance approx. 24) and the Holiday Bible Club (joint with Fairview). This was mainly due to the demographic downturn in the number of children in the area, as well as attendance taking time to recover after Covid. It was pleasing to see three new members join CY: Ben and William Hughes, and Alec Stephenson – the average attendance was 12. He instanced the wide variety of activities CY engaged in, highlighting the upcoming Panel Night when CY members will put their questions to a select panel from the Presbytery. Sabbath School children enjoyed many activities in the year; the BBQ in Gosford, excursion to Dublin Zoo and of course their own time of chorus singing after the service each Sabbath, not to forget their lessons and excelling in the Sabbath School exams. The Women’s Fellowship had some change of membership in the Committee, Elizabeth Armstrong (Fairview) taking over as President from Jill, now Vice-President, also with Jacqueline back on the Committee. Discussion regarding the congregational finances took place; it was pleasing that the finances including surpluses remained healthy, and while recent reduction in membership might impact on future finances, Rev Murphy reminded those present of God’s great provision and to trust in Him. It was agreed that the Committee would soon meet to discuss various works at the manse and the church meeting house and hall. The Financial Report was adopted, this being proposed by Eric Nicholson and seconded by Desmond Hughes.
Rev Murphy concluded the meeting by thanking all those contributing in their various ways to the activities of the congregation, reminding all of the upcoming Congregational dinner scheduled for May. There being no “further business” the meeting concluded at 9.34pm with the singing of Psalm 100B (all) and prayer, conducted by Rev. Murphy.
Rev Philip Murphy (Chairman)________
Mr Ivan Bingham (Secretary)_________
Date____