Castlederg Baptist Church TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statement for the year ended 31" December 2023. Reference and Administrative Details Castlederg Baptist Church, 10 Upper Strabane Road, Castlederg, Co.Tyrone, BT817BG Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC 1076701 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 Independent Examiner Mr. Thomas Oliver and Associates Limited, l Moygashel Row, Dungannon, BT717DH Bankers Danske Bank, 5-7 Market Street, Omagh, BT78 IBN 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 affa irs. As a leadership they endeavour to promote the spiritual interest of the congregation and to encourage the member5 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.
Castlederg Baptist Church Association of Baptist Churches Castlederg BaptlSt Church is 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 Ca5tlederg church values it5 links with other churches in the Association. Description and Purpose Castlederg 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 hi5 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 Icommunionl 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 member5. Sunday School is arranged for the teaching of young children. Youth nights are held for primary and secondary 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 a nd international Christian organisations. Achievement and Performance Church services were held each Sunday to enable member5 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. Sunday school was provided for the young people during the morning service. Sunday School number5 are small but all attend well. OurJ4U Club and Youth Club run throughout the year but not during the summer months. Almost all of the children attending are from outside the church family and from different backgrounds and experiences. The Ladies, Friendship evenings and our'walk and Talk, events saw people from the communityjoining together with church folk to enjoy these activities. 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.
Castlederg Baptlst Church 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, then the congregation added to this amount, and one of our congregation joined a Ba ptist A550ciation trip to Peru in summer 2023 and distributed the financial support to Baptist churches in Peru The church 5UPPOrted the 'Kids for School, organisation funding education for some children in Tanzania. The pastor arranged for a college team to visit local schools to take assemblies and R.E. lessons and to visit Care Homes during a week in October. A visit to a local school by Baptist Youth to relate, Yhe Amazing Journey to Bethlehem,, story to local children took place in December. Our ladies crocheted blankets for premature babies born in Altnagelvin Hospital. Shoe boxes assembled by the congregation were donated to Samaritan's Purse. 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 was completed in 2023. Public Benefit Statement The church meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit to its member5 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 sta ndards in the community. Public activitie5 are made known via social media and printed materials. The purposes do not lead to harm. The only private benefit arising from our purpose is related to our pastor, who receive5 benefits as a result of holding office, and a Christian Unions Ireland worker and an 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. Finance The congregation's main source of income is members, contribution5. An annual report detailing income and expenditure was presented at the church's A.G.M.
Trustees Verification of Financial Report We as Trustees of Castlederg Baptist Church, verify that this financial report for st the year ending 31 December 2023, is an accurate reflection of the financial transaction that occurred during the aforesaid financial year, Signed date Cscc Ig IOICt,