Castlederg Baptist Church . a member of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. Trustees Annual Report and Financial st Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. Registered with the Charity Commission Northern Ireland NIC 107670 Page I
Trustees Annual Report The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year st ended 31 December 2022. Reference and Administrative Details Castlederg Baptist Church, 10 Upper Strabane Road, Castlederg, Co.Tyrone, BT817BG Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC 107670) The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the time of this report were: Mr.Stanley Baxter (Chairperson) Pastor Jude Colhoun Mr. Ivan Gowdy Mr. Norman Irwin Mr. David Nesbitt Mr. David Porter Auditor Mr. Thomas Oliver and Associates Limited, l Moygashel Row, Dungannon, BT717DH Bankers Danske Bank, 5-7 Market Street. Omagh, BT78 IBN Page 2
Trustees Annual Report The office bearers of the church consist of the Pastor, elders and deacons and they act as trustees of the congregation. The elders deal with all matters of spiritual importance and the deacons take responsibility for all practical and temporal affairs. As a leadership they endeavour to promote the spiritual interest of the congregation and to encourage the members to witness and serve in the local community. Male members of the church who have been in membership for at least two years can be recommended for the office of an elder by existing elders, or by three members. The appointment of an elder takes place at a Church meeting called for that purpose. Deacons, either male or female, must be members of the church. They are to be chosen by the membership of the church and appointed at the annual A.G.M. Elders require a seventy five per cent majority and deacons require a majority vote of at least two-thirds of the members present at the meeting. The leadership meet together at least six times a year. Association of Baptist Churches Castlederg Baptist Church 15 a member of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. Although all churches in the Association are autonomous, the church benefits from support, guidance and encouragement provided by the Association Director and members of staff. The Castlederg church values its links with other churches in the Association. Page 3
Trustees, annual report (continued) Description and Purpose Ca5tlederg Baptist Church was established in 1987 and at first rented the premises at 10 Upper Strabane Road, Castlederg. Eventually the church purchased the building and in 2010 erected a new building to meet the requirements of the congregation. The church acknowledges the headship of Jesus Christ over his Church and exists to glorify the triune God by maintaining and promoting his worship both individually and corporately. Its members devote themselves to the teaching of scripture, to fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer and evangelism. They commit, with the help of God, to witness to the saving and sustaining power of the Lord Jesus Christ and to work for the extension of his kingdom. The principal charitable purpose of the church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the teachings of Scripture, the Doctrinal Statement and Baptist principles. ACTIVITIES and OBJECTIVES The congregation meets for worship every Sunday and visitors are welcome to join us. Normally Breaking of Bread (communion) follows the sermon every Sunday. A regular bible study and prayer meeting is held once a week. Services are open to anyone regardless of whether or not they are church members. Sunday School is arranged for the teaching of young children. Youth night5 are held for primary aged young people. An annual holiday Bible Club is held for a week during the summer months. Ladies events, visits to residential care homes and organised walks allow us to participate in the life of the community. Prayer is offered on behalf of our members and their families, the community and for those in government. We support, both financially and through prayer, local and international Christian organisations. Page 4
Trustees, Annual Report (continued) Achievement and Performance Church services were held each Sunday to enable members and adherents to gather together for worship and Bible teaching. On Tuesday evenings Bible Studies were held, providing the opportunity for teaching and discussion on Bible passages. Su nday school was provided for the young people during the morning service. Sunday School numbers are small but all attend well. In the Autumn our J4U club started up once again. Almost all of the children attending J4U are from outside the church family and from different backgrounds and experiences. The Ladies, Friendship evenings a nd our 'Walk and Talk, events saw people from the community joining together with church folk to enjoy these events. One of the highlights of the year was our summer Holiday Bible Club when very good numbers of children and teenagers attended the events of the week. Mission and Outreach The church was able to financially support Baptist Missions and the Baptist College. The fellowship contributed to the financial support of a Scripture Union E3 project making Good News known in local schools, an Irish University Christian Unions, worker and an O.M. worker in Germany, The Sunday School helped raise some funds to provide piglets for poor families in South-East Asia. The church supported the 'Kids For School, organisation f unding education for some children in Tanzania. Page 5
Trustees, Annual Report (continued) Property The new building of 2010 had been completed in such a way that when finances permitted the development of the First Floor could be facilitated. This work continued throughout 2022 with electrical, plumbing and painting work being completed or almost finished. Public Benefit Statement The church meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit to its members and the general public by making the Christian gospel known through the advancement of religion. The teaching provided by the church leads to spiritual and moral development for those who are affiliated. In turn this leads to practical expression of Christian beliefs and standards in the community. Public activitie5 are made known via social media and printed materials. The purposes do not lead to harm. Trustees have taken steps to mitigate harm and AccessNI are required f rom those involved with youth activities.The only private benefit arising from our purpose is related to our pastor, who receives benefits as a result of holding office, and a Christian Unions Ireland worker and the O.M. staff member. These are necessary in order to further our charitable purpose. There are no other private benefits. The beneficiaries of this purpose are members, their families, and other individuals with whom they have direct and indirect contact; other communities throughout Ireland and worldwide. Page 6
Finance The congregation's main source of income is members, contributions. An annual report detailing income and expenditure was presented at the church's A.G,M. The accounts for the financial report were prepared by the accountant Mr.Thomas Oliver and Associates Ltd. Moygashel. The church recorded a net deficit for the year 2022 of £25,669 St Closing unrestricted reserves at 31 December 2022 were £28,556 (2021 £54225) st Closing restricted reserves at 31 December 2022 were £0 (2021 £0) Assets and Liabilities The church owns its own building. The totsl funds at the end of 2022 amount to £41,246.73. The only liability the church has is its obligation to repay a Northern Baptist Loan of £12,691.10 Page 7
This concludes Castlederg Baptist Church Trustees, Report for the year ending 31" December 2022. Signed z/ LIL (p.," . 1027 2oLS loql PLO LS 15ai- I Page 8