Rathfriland Reformed Presb erian Church Trustees Annual Re ort for 2023 ffOR CHRISTI CROWN AND. CVENANT
Rathfriland Reformed Presbyterian Church Trustees Annual Report Contents 1. Introduction 2. Purpose........ 3. Structure .......... 4. Activities...... 5. Public Benefit .. 6. Financial Situation........... 7. Useful Information . 8. Statement of Trustees Responsibilities 9. Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees ............ 10. Statement of Financial Activity .10 11 . Statement of Assets and Liabilities 12. Notes to the accounts .12-16
- Introduction This document is the annual report for Rathfriland Reformed Presbyterian Church, Northern Ireland Charity Number NIC106596. This report relates to the calendar year 2023.
- Purpose The charitable purpose of the congregation is Ihe advancement of religion. Rathfriland Reformed Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland. The Reformed Presbylerian Church of Ireland exists to honour and worship God and to share the good news of Jesus Christ His Son.
- Structure Session The charity trust88s of congregation are the members of the Session, which consists of the minister and one ruling elder of the congregation. In case of vacancy (where a congregation has no minister), an acting minister from within the Presbytery (Interim Moderator) is a member of the Session. Elders and ministers are chosen by a vote of all communicant members of the congregation. Election of elders, calling of ministers and transaction of Session business are carried out in accordance with the 'Code', the Book of Government and Order of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland. Wider Governance In the Presbyterian form of church government practised by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, each local congregation belongs to a Presbytery. Rathfriland congregation belongs to the Southern Presbytery of the Reformed Presbylerian Church of Ireland. The membership of each Presbytery consists of the active and retired ministers of the Presbytery, along with a representstive elder from each member congregation. The Presbytery is responsible for the spiritual oversight of the congregations within its care and meets a minimum of four times per year. The highest court of the Reformed Presbyterian Church is its Synod, which consists of the membership of all the presbyteries of the church. The Synod meets at least annually to
transact the business brought to it by its constituent presbyteries and Synodical committees. Committee Members The committee members are responsible for the temporal affairs of the congregation, including matters related to the finances and property of the church. Committee members are elected by a vote of all communicant members of the congregation and are accountable to Session for their activities. Volunteers The congregation relies on the generosty of volunteers in giving their time to assist with a range of activities in. the church. including work with children and young people, provision of hospitality, raising the singing and management of the audio ministry. Activities Public Worship Within the period covered by this report, Rathfriland Refomed Presbyterian Church has provided public worship services for instruction and devotion, held regularly at 12.00 Noon and when advised at 7.00pm in the evening, which are open to all. A midweek meeting was also held as advised. The Lord's Supper was observed once in the past year. Participation is open to all who have been baptised and who make a credible profession of saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Vrk of the Sabbath School carried on each Sunday and was led by our two Sabbath School teachers Mrs. Janice Bell and Mrs. Felicity Henning. The Women's Fellowship continued during the year with Bible studies and various other activities. This was well supported by the ladies of the congregation. A new venture was start8d with the men in the form of a men's breakfast, and this was held on two occasions during the year.
Pastoral Work For the first half of 2023 home visitation was carried out by Rev Paul Flynn and by our Interim Moderator Rev Peter Dundee in the second half of the year. Denominational Activity Representatives of the church Session attended Presbytery meetings regularly. and the annual denominational Synod. Contributions were made to central Synodical funds for general expenses (such as training of ministers and youth work). Outreach and Mission As noted above, nationwide and overseas mission work was supported financially through contributions to denominational funds (Reformed Presbyterian Missions). Financial Support Youth Work Instruction of children and young people in meetings of Sunday School, Bible Class and church ServIS as well as opportunities for informal fellowship. All leaders and volunteers in Ihe yQLrth work have gone through AcsS Nl vetting. Church Property The church propety is in good condition after the completion of renovation work and work carried out to meet health and safety and disabled access requirements. Regular cleaning of the meeling house and hall took pla, along with upkeep of the church grounds and maintenance as required. Recordings The services of worship are recorded and are accessible via CD'S. These recordings provide access to the pulpit ministry to those who are unable to attend public worship due to ill health or other circumstances.
- Public Benefit Rathfriland Refonned Presbyterian Church meets the public benefit requirement by providing place for worship (through weekly services of worship and other meelings), by increasing awareness and understanding of religious beliefs (through public preaching from the Hoty Scriptures, literature distribution. pastoral counselling and youth work), and by engaging in and supporting missionary and outreach work in the Rathfriland area and oveThseas. The work of Ihe church in fvlfillment of its purpose does not lead to harm. The only private benefit is for Ministers and others who may receive benefrt as a result of their employment. Such benefit is incidental to the work and purpose of the congregation. The Charity Trustees have had regard to the Public Benefit to the Charity Commission's Public Benefit statutory guidance.
- Financial Situation The congregation's main source of income is members contributions through the weekly Freewill Offering. Total receipts in the year were £33,839 (£33,369). Total income of the congregation during the year was £78,610 compared to £65,313 in the previous year. Total expenditure increased to £239.586 from £33,684 in the previous year.
- Useful Information Contact Details Rathfriland Refonned Presbyterian Church 'k Mr. Ray Morrison (Clerk of Session) 10 Castle Fields Rathfriland BT34 5BN 028 40630237 Charity Trustees Rev. Peter Dundee Mr. Ray Morrison
Bankers Ulster Bank 22 Bridge Street Banbridge BT32 3JT Solicitors Fisher & Fisher 1 Newry Street Rathfriland BT34 SPY Independent Examiners S.M. Vint & Co. 8 Newry Street Banbridge BT32 3HN 8. Statement of Trustees Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements of the congregation in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the congregation's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lime 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. As the congregation's income does nol exceed £250.000, the Trustees have elected under Section 64(3) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 to prepare a receipts and paymenls account and a statement of assets and liabilities. Trustee Trustee Rev Peter Dundee Morrlson
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORTTO THETRUSTEES OF RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE REFORMED PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH OF IRELAND I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2023 which are set out on pages 10 to 16. Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It 15 my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act; follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65{9)(b) of the Charities Act; and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's report I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination wa5 carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: l. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act 2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records 3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent examlner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters11) to {4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. B. Magennis FCCA FCA For and behalf of S.M. Wint & Co Chartered Certlfied Accountants & Registered Audltors 8 Newry Road Banbridge BT32 3HN /£ 7C£
RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE REFORMED PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH OF IRELAND STATEMEKf OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY {Receipts and Payments Account) For the year ended 31 December 2023 Note Unrestrirted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Receipts Donations and le8acies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment Income Other 41,399 9,646 1,066 51,045 1,066 1,100 50,941 1,571 1.100 799 24,590 10 738 12,063 24,590 67,888 169,362 10,722 78,610 169,362 65,313 Transfer from Investments Sale of fixed assets Loans Received 11 Total Receipts 237,250 10,722 247,972 65,313 Payments Raising funds Charitable activities Other 49,620 23,250 11,478 61,098 23,250 33,684 72.870 11,478 84,348 33,684 Purchase of Investments Purchase of fixed assets Loan Repayments 155,238 155,238 Total Payments 228,108 11,478 239,586 33,684 Net receipts / (payments) Transfers between funds 9,142 (561) (756) 561 8,386 31,629 Net movement in funds Funds brought forward 8,581 49,466 (195) 1,972 8,386 51,438 31,629 19,809 Funds carried fonmard 12 58,047 1,777 59,824 51,438 10
RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE REFORMED PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH OF IRELAND STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As at 31 December 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restrlcted Endowment Funds Funds Total Funds 2023 Total Funds 2022 Funds Reconciliation Bank and Cash at start of year Net movement in fund5 49,466 8,581 1,972 {195) 51,438 8,386 19,809 31,629 Bank and Cash at end of year 58,047 1.777 59,824 51,438 Bank & Cash Balances Bank Deposit Accounts Bank Current Accounts Cash in Hand 59,824 51,438 59,824 51,438 Other Assets Fixed Assets- Note 10 Church Premises Property Investments- Note 11 Gift Aid receivable on donations 1,400,000 1,164,624 155,238 30,166 199,670 1,1585,404 1,364,294 Liabilities Loans Other th Approved by the Kirk Session at a meeting on 15 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Rev. Peter Dundee Ray Morrison Minister Clerk of Session 11
RATHFRILAND REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As the total income of the congregation is less than £250,000 the congregation have elected in accordance with the provisions in The Charities (Accounts and Reports Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 to prepare its accounts on a receipts and payments basis. FUND ACCOUNTING Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be retained either permanently or at the congregation's discretion. the income derived from the endowment is to be used either as restricted or unrestricted income funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established in the first place. Restricted funds comprise (a) income from endowments which is to be expended only on the restricted purposes intended by the donor and (b) revenue donations or grants for a specific congregational activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis. Unrestricted funds are income funds which are to be spent on the congregation's general purposes. Designated funds are general funds Set aside by the congregation for use in the future. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestrirted Funds Restrirted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Recorded giving: Loose collections Donations and gifts Gift Aid Legacies and bequest 557 33,839 7,003 557 42,321 8,167 633 39,637 9,271 1,400 8,482 1,164 41,399 9,646 51,045 50,941 12
RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS 31 December 2023 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restrlcted Endowment Funds Fund5 Total 2023 Total 2022 Income from charitable activities Fees from weddings and funerals Fundraising events Membership fees Grants 1,066 1,066 1,571 1,066 1,066 1,571 4. OTHER TRADING ACTivrriES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Letting of premises Land letting 1,100 1.100 1,100 1,100 INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestrlcted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Deposit interest General Investment Fund Rents investment properties Other investment income 16 10 26 18 783 783 720 799 10 809 738 13
RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OFTHE REFORMED PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE AccourS Icont'd) 31 December 2023 OTHER INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Insurance claims House Deposit Returned Power Nl- EBSS AFP NI Other income 23,250 1,200 140 23,250 1,200 140 12,063 24,590 24,590 12,063 RAISING FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 FWO envelopes Fundraising events CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Restricted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Donations to Synodical & Missions Ministry and support staff costs Congregational running expenses Donations to Charities Governance costs Fundraising Events 8,127 8,127 8,000 42,537 6,083 42,537 7,915 1,519 1,000 15,712 7,303 1,669 1.000 1,832 1,519 1,000 49,620 11,478 61,098 33,684 14
RATHFRIALND CONGREGATION OF THE REFORMED PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS (cont'd) 31 December 2023 OTHER EXPENDITURE Unrestrlcted Funds Restrlcted Endowment Funds Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Investment propertie5 expenses House Deposit 23,250 23,250 23,250 23,250 10. FIXED ASSETS The congregation owns the Church premises situated at Castle Street, Rathfriland, BT34 5QR together with the associated fixtures and fittings. These have an insurance value of £1,400,000. The church also purchased 14 Bearnagh View, Rathfriland, in the 2023 year for a total cost of £155,237.75. 11. INVESTMENTS The congregation has the following investments. Amounts are shown at market valuation. 2023 2022 General Investment Fund Property Other investments 30,166 199,670 30,166 199,670 15
RATHFRILAND CONGREGATION OF THE REFORMED PRESBYfERIAN CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Icont'd) 31 December 2023 12. FUND BALANCES Fund Balance at start Receipts Payment Surplus / Transfer {Deflclt) Balance at end Unrestricted Fund5 General Fund 49,466 237,250 228,108 9,142 (561} 58,047 49,466 237,250 228,108 9,142 (561) 58,047 Restricted Funds Repair Fund Cong. Organisational Funds Mission and Charities Fund 1,972 1,076 9,646 1,832 9,646 (756) 561 1,777 1,972 10,722 11,478 (756) 561 1,777 Endowment Funds Total 51,438 247,972 239,586 8,386 59,824 16