Dear Church Family,
| As we continue to find our feet after the pandemic, things need attention. Our Church family finances is one of those things. Like many other Churches and community groups, we’ve lost income from rentals, and many of us haven’t been able to give as before. In April and June this year, our fixed monthly expenditure was £650 and £1,700 respectively higher than our income. This is obviously a trend that we need to address prayerfully. Paul reminds us of God’s generosity to us in 2 Corinthians 8:9 – |
| ‘For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.’’ 2 Corinthians 8:9 |
| Because God gives us the priceless gift of His peace at his own expense, we want to give so that others may hear of His grace freely and fully. Not everyone is in a position to give. Some should consider giving less. Others are able to give more. Whatever our situation, let’s give joyfully, in thanksgiving for the Lord’s generosity to us. There are several ways to give, but however you do, please try to give a fixed regular amount (which you should review annually or as/when your financial circumstances change) as this makes it much easier for the PCC to budget and manage the church’s spending. Regular giving can be set up by Standing Order through your bank (forms available here, but many banks allow you to set this up online or over the telephone) or by Credit/Debit card through “Give A Little” where you can also make one-off donations. You can still donate cash through the collection plate on Sunday mornings and if you are a taxpayer, please put your donation into an envelope (marked with your name or giving no.) so we can claim “Gift Aid” on your donation. Gift Aid is a tax refund we can claim from the government which increases your donation by 20% at no further cost to you, so if you are a taxpayer please make sure you complete a “Gift Aid form” or tick the “Gift Aid box” when giving online. Probably, like me, you haven’t reviewed your giving for a while? Please ask me if I’ve done this next time we meet – life is busy and I need to be reminded. We can help each other as we pray that the Lord’s work won’t lack the Lord’s means. Your brother in Christ, Ian |