an SOUTH BELFAST PRESBYfERY OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND Trustees Annual Report and Flnanclal Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 Charltable Trust Re8lstered In Northern Ireland (NIC106486)
Presbyter an SOUTH BELFAST PRESBYfERY OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2023 including a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTrATIVE DEfAILS The South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland 6 Moyne Road Conlig BT23 7PG Registered Charity in Northern Ireland INIC106486) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who Served during the year orwho were trustees at the date of thls report were: Mlss Mary E An8US Rev Alistair Bill Rev Wllllam Harkness Ireslined June 20231 Mr William Harkness Rev Norman Harrison Rev Dr lan Hart Iresi8ned February 20231 Mr Brian Henderson Rev Robert Neville Brown (deceased January 20231 Rev Professor William Gordon Campbell Muriel Cromle Iresi8ned November 20231 Mrs Margaret Rosallnd Dempsey Ires18ned November 20231 Rev Brian Robert Hughes Iresl8ned February 20231 Rev Dr Davld Crawford Irwln Rev Jack Lamb Rev Robert Love Mr Norman Mannls Rev Andrew Galbralth Mr Gerry Gault Rev Morris Stephen Gault Rev John Gilkinson Mr Cecil William Lavery Graham Rev Davld Grav Rev R J. Greer Mr Philip Mateer Mr Joseph Brian Milligan Mr John David Mccleery Rev Dr Derek John McKelvey Mr Norman McKlnley Rev Victor Sinclair Iresl8ned February 20231 Rev Ivan Steen Denls Guller Rev Barry John Mccroskery Rev Dr John Cecll Mccullough Ireslgned Fobruary 20231 Mrjim Mcllwaine Rev Robert Stevenson Stockman
Presbyter an Rev Kenneth Norman Ernest Newell Iresl8ned February 20231 Dr Joan Cummings McQuoid Rev Wilfred John Orr Rev Margaret Ruth Patterson Miss Ruth Pritchard Rev James Henry Wllson Ireslgned February 20231 Rev Corrina Heron Rev Anne Eli2abeth Tolland (resigned April 20231 Rev John Mccracken lappolnted June 20231 Rev Nlgel Cralg lappointed February 20231 Rev Kathryn Viner Rev Ben Walker Mr Cyril Cavan Mr John Kenny Miss Alison Mullen PRINCIPAL OFFICE BEARERS Moderator Rev Corrina Heron Clerk of Presbytery Rev Morris Gault Flnance Convener Mr Denls Guiler INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Michael Fitch UHY Hacker Young Fltch Chartered Accountants Suite 2.06, Customs House Customs House Square Belfast BTI 2LG BANKERS Danske Bank Branch Business P.0. Box 183 Donegal Square West Belfast BTI 6JS SOLicrroRS King & Gowdy 298 Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3EJ
an SOUTH BELFAST PRE5BYfERY OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (convd) STRucfuRE AND MANAGEMENr Presbytery Under the Presbyterian Church in Ireland form of governance the corporate oversi8ht of a congregationls the respon5iblllty of a Presbytery which superlntends generally the spiritual and temporal affairs of the congregations assigned to it by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The following congregations of the Presbyterian Church have been assigned to The South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland: Ballycairn Belvolr Cooke Centenary Dunmurry Flna8hy- Lowe Memorlal Flsherwlck Fltzroy Avenue Great Victoria Street Kilmakee, Seymour Hlll Malone Kin8han Church Mccracken Memorial Newtownbreda Richview Salnttleld Road Taughmonagh Townsend Street Wlndsor A Presbytery makes arrangements for the electlon of mlni5ters in congregatlons, ordains licentiates and installs or indurts and appoints ministers in the congregation5 asslgned to It. They also ordain or install and appoint elders, commission and appoint deaconesses, senior lecturers, auxiliary ministers, lay agents and misslonaries who have been called by an authorised body In the Church. A Presbytery has a role In seelng that mlnisters preach the Word faithfully to thelr con8re8atlons, regularly visit the famllles under thelr charge, vislt the SICK promote peace and temperance and See that the dutles of the eldershlp are property dlscharged. Presbyterles oversee the reslgnatlon and retlrements of mlnlsters and elders. Presbyteries provide advice to Kirk Sessions and Con8regatlonal Committees when required and have a role in approving rnatters In relation to con8re8ational property. They report annually to the General Assembly and have the right to make a nomination for the office of Moderator of the General Assembly. The membershlp of the Presbytery conslsts malnly of the actlve mlnlsters of con8re8atlons assigned to it by the General A55embly, minlster5 who have retired from active duty and an elder appointed by the Kirk Session of the congregation. Thls provides an important link between the con8regations and the wider structure5 of the church.
an SOUTH BELFAST PRESBYfERY OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TIIUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (¢onVd) Stated meetings of Presbytery are held on the first Tuesday of February, March, Mav, September, October, November and December. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings, except that the Moderator, who Ss a mlnister In active duty, has no deliberative but only a castlng vote. The Genero1 Assemblv The General Assembly Is the supreme court of the Church, representing In one body the whole Church and acting 35 Its supreme legislative, administration and judicial authority, in dealin8 Wlth all matters brou8ht before it. The General Assembly15 normally constituted during the third week in June for worship and to conduct its busine55. At the end of business It Is dissolved. The membership of the General Assembly conslsts mainly of the active ministers of each congregation, retired minsters and a representative elder appointed by the Kirk Session of each congregation. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charltable purpose of the Presbytery is the advancement of rell810n. The South Belfast Presbytery is a Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The Presbyterlan Church in Ireland, as a Reformed Church within the wlder body of Christ IS grounded In the Scriptures, and exists to love and honour God throu8h faith in His Son and by the power of HIS Splrit, and to enable her members to play thelr part in fulfllllng God's mission to our world.
an THE SOUTH BELFAST PRESBYTERY OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (Crd) AcrivrriES AND OBJEcnvES The Presbytery meets on the first Tuesday of February, March, May, September, October, November and December and on other occasions as required. All meetings commence with time of worship and are opened and closed wlth prayer. The Presbytery carrles out the followln8 artivities Supports those candidating for the Ministry Installs Ordained ministers Provides pastoral 5UPPOrt for mlnlsters and their families Holds a number of events such as a social evening for Presbytery, Elders Training Night PW Link is an initiative of Presbyterian Women intended to improve communication5 and build relationships between Presbyterian Women. PW links include a representative from each congregation and run events to support the misslon and outreach of Presbytery. Administers in conjunction with the Council for Mlssion in Ireland a mi8rants' project called the International Meeting Point ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Durlng 2023 the Presbytery: Ordalned and Installed I mlnlster to congregatlonal minlstry Organised l Griefshare Course Or8anised a Griefshare "Survivln8 the Holldays" course Held 7 General Committee meetings Held 2 Summer Commission Meetings Vlslted 7 congregations to conduct PresbY(ery meetlngs and to hear of the work of the con8re8atlons. Provided financial support to the International Meeting Point and supplled representatives to serve on the IMP Mana8ement Committee In partnership with Crown Jesus Ministries continued to support the Hope Chapel Lane project Provided flnancial support to the Hope Chapel Lafte Project based In Berry Street Provided flnancial support to Carnmoney Central to continue worshlpplng In the May Street building Appointed members of Presbytery to Serve on Counclls and Commlttees of the General Assemblv. Appointed commissions to the oversi8ht and pastoral care of con8re8atlons at a tlme of vacancy Presbytery engaged RevAlan Mcwilliam leader of the Calrn Movement in Scotland to assist congregations in envisioning new ways to reach out to the people In their parishes who are unconnected with Church. Organised a Presbytery Retreat Day for Spiritual Refreshment
Presbyter an THE SOUTH BELFAST PRESBYfERY OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) At the 31 December 2023 the following numbers of personnel were under the care of PSbytery'. 2023 io 2022 li Ministers in active service in congregation5 Ministers in active service in other ministries Retired Minlsters Transferrin Minister 20 Credentia15 were presented to another Presbytery In respect of 2 Ministers who was appolnted to a congregatlon assigned to that Presbytery. The Presbytery encourages the congregatlons asslgned to It to support the Unlted Appeal for Mission which is a central fund of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Thi5 fund enables congregations to support the wider mission of the denomination and to do mission and outreach on a denorninatlonal basis beyond what the congregation could do on its own. The United Appeal Fund provides financial support for mlsslon personnel at home and overseas, asslsts congregations with the deployment of locally based staff, enables church plantin& provides grant support for the upkeep of church premlses. asslst wlth the runnSn8 Costs of Union Theologlcal College, the Church's tralnSng colle8e for mlnlstry students, and flnanclally supports congregations in the areas of worshipi dlscipleshipi global mission, outreach, leadershlp and pastoral care. The Presbytery also encourages congregatlons to contribute to the denomlnatlons Moderatorfs Appeal, Sunday School project and any other special appeals. General Assemblv Presbyterles are represented on the varlous Councils of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and report on an annual basis to the General Assembly. Volunteers The Trustees wlsh to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who give freely of their time by servin8 on Presbytery, its commissions and panels.
an THE SOUTH BELFAST PRESBYfERY OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT {conVd) PUBUC BENEFIT STATEMEKr The Presbyterian Church in Ireland meets the public beneflt requirement by provlding benefit to It5 member5 and the general publlc by making known the Chrlstlan Gospel of the Lord Jesus Chrlst through the advancement of rell8lon. The dlrect benefSts whlch flow from the purposes of the Church include the gaining of an understandlng In Chrlstlan bellefs as set out In the Blble and in the Church's subordinate standards (the Westmlnster Confesslon 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 expression5 of Christian beliefs and standards in the local community such as through the care of those in need Ilncluding the sick. disabled and bereaved). Generally, the above benefits are delivered locally by congregational churche5 and rDember5, or are facllitated through presbyteries or are organised and delivered centrally. Local delivery is facilitated bv central resources in almost all cases. Public access is made known through the use of notlceboards, printed material, press advertisement, websites, and social media or in other way5. The benefits are demonstrated through regular evaluation of the services and Informal and ad-hoc feedback from members, their families, and members of the publlc. The purpose does not lead to harm. The charltles beneflclarles are Its members, thelr famllles, other Indlvlduals that the Presbyterlan Church in Ireland 55 in dlrect and Indirect contart with, the communlty In whlch pastoral servlces are provlded and other communlties throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and worldwide which benefit from our en8a8ement with and support for both Christlan and other secular organisatlons, charltles and Indlvldual members of the publlc. The only prlvate beneflt flowlng from our purpose Is related to Mlnlsters, Mlsslonaries, Deaconesses, Irlsh Mlsslon wrkerS and Lay Agents who receive beneflts as a result of their holdlng offlce or employment. However, thSs15 Incidental and necessary to further our charltable purpose. There are no other prlvate beneflts. The Presbytery has had regard to the Charlty Commisslons Publlc benefit requlrement statutory guidance. FINANCIAL REVIEW South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland's main source of income is Presbytery fees into The Incidental Fund and donations and other income for the Missions Fund. Durin8 the year, £15.882 was received for the Incidental Fund from Presbytery fees and £1,330 of income was received for the Misslons Fund. Total expenditure for the year from the Incidental Fund wa5 £15,223. Total expenditure for the year from the Missions Fund was £30.235. As at 31st December 2023, the designated fund5 balance relating to the Missions Fund was £39,499 and the restricted funds balance relatin8 to the Incidental Fund was £6,956.
an SOUTH BELFAST PRESBYfERY OF THE PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH IN IRELAND TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (c¢d> STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIE5 The Trustees are sponsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements of South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland In accordance wlth appllcable law and 8enerally accepted accountin8 practice. As South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterlan Church In Ireland's total Income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have eletted under Section 64{31 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and liablllties. The Tfustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufflcient to show and explaln South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland's transactlons and disc105e with reasonable accuracy at any tlme Its flnanclal posltlon. They are also responsible for safe8uarding the assets of South Belfast Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Trustees at a meetlng on bv 7 /22 3dz and signed on its behalf ov Davi TNst•e ay