‘Lord, how wonderful are the good things that you keep for those who honour you !’ Psalm 31 v 19
Dear Friend;
On Saturday 28th, St Mary’s Church will be open for a time of prayer and reflection on our individual commitment and stewardship to the Lord’s work. It is a time for us to set aside in preparation for our “Thanksgiving Sunday” on 29th March. That weekend is an opportunity to thank God for his gifts of time, talents and treasure, and also a time to be thankful for each other, our fellowship, our Christian service, and our financial support for the church.
In the last year we have experienced and received many blessings both spiritually and for our lovely church building. At St Mary’s, the long awaited redecorations, heating and lighting works have happened and we give thanks to God for these blessings. The Alpha Course has been at the forefront of our local mission, and a number of new faces have joined our congregation. We welcome everyone in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the warmth of our fellowship reflects God’s love to us all.
I wish to say a big “Thank you” to all who have supported mission and ministry through prayer and the giving of time, talent and treasure. In 2008, as a church, financially we did quite well, despite the extra costs of replacing the stolen roof lead and lightning conductor! Costs were recovered eventually from the insurers but of course there was a time delay, which needed to be covered before the monies became available.
However, it is some concern that our church is actually struggling to pay its way for basic expenses (heat, light, insurance, etc) and in meeting its responsibilities to pay our Parish share to the Diocese. [This share is the sum levied on every church in the Diocese as a contribution to the cost of clergy (stipend, housing, pension etc.) and the training of the priesthood.]
In 2007, we had a deficit of £461, which grew in 2008 to a deficit of £2,603, which had to be covered by a transfer from a Thanksgiving Fund reserve. Obviously, we need to address this trend of deficits NOW, as our reserves are limited and in fact should be for other intended uses (repairing the font, new vestry carpet, applied to beneficiaries wishes).
I need to talk bluntly and openly because the financial situation is not good. I know we are in a “Credit Crunch”, but this difficult national crisis should give us as Christians an opportunity to consider our real values in life. In this part of the world, we are relatively well off (there are some exceptions), but the fact is that our giving is falling short of honouring God in this place. I am grateful for those who give of their time and gifts and wealth, but do we fully value God in our lives?
Therefore, can I ask you to prayerfully consider the following matters for our Thanksgiving:
· Do you have a daily prayer plan? If not there are publications to help – please ask.
· Do you have a daily Bible reading and study plan? Again there are aids to guide you.
· Do you support the church by regular planned giving - By contributing by bank standing order or by weekly envelopes? This ensures that we can plan and forecast more accurately probable income and thus cash flow to meet our expenses.
· Have you reviewed your level of giving in the last year or more? If not, please would you consider the needs of the church to keep up with inflation.
· Some regard God’s work as a charity – it is not – it is a way of life – THE Way. When we look at the blessings and comparative wealth that most of us enjoy, does our responsive commitment reflect how much we love our God, who gives us so much – including new life – and life in all its abundance.
I should like to invite you to give thought to the way that you honour God by your giving of time, talent and treasure; to think very carefully about the importance of the life and message of the church in your life; and to consider what it might be like without St Mary’s at the heart of the community. Join us on Saturday between 10am - 3pm for a few minutes or more.
Regarding the finances of St Mary’s: last year I warned that ‘we will run into serious difficulties if we do not increase our planned giving’. That warning still holds. We need to avoid deficits. The church accounts are on display in the church porch and as your Priest and Church Treasurer, I am willing to respond to any questions that you may have.
What will you do to address this situation?
I would ask that you hold our church in prayer before God; that you consider your own contribution to the life of the church; that you confirm your giving by a committed increased pledge; that you consider the Gift Aid benefits if you are a tax payer. *
PLEASE RESPOND BY COMPLETING THE SLIP BELOW AND PLACING IT IN THE SPECIAL RECEIPT BOX IN CHURCH.
[All responses will be treated in the strictest confidence].
Thank you for all your support in the past and in these difficult times.
Yours in Christ
The Reverend Gordon Briggs 22nd March 2009
* Gift Aided: As the church is a charitable organisation, an extra 28p in the pound can be claimed from the Inland Revenue for tax payers’ donations, at no extra cost to the donor [Although the Government plan to reduce this benefit]. The reclaim will be made automatically on your behalf. All you have to do is to sign your wish on a “Gift Aid form”.
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St Mary’s Church Farnham Royal – FINANCE
Please tick as appropriate: IN CONFIDENCE
I shall hold the church’s financial problems in prayer before God
I shall to make a monthly Standing Order donation
Please supply me with a set of Weekly Gift envelopes
I shall join the Gift Aid benefits.
Please supply me with a Pledge & Gift Aid Tax form.
I should like to ask a question about the Church finances (please write your
question overleaf or in a separate letter if appropriate).
Name and Address ……………………………………………
