FINANCIAL BULLETIN

‘We are the body of Christ and each one of us is part of it’

1 Corinthians 12: 27

To raise the issue of church finance and in particular to question our individual response and giving is always a sensitive subject and none more so than in the present climate.  We recognise that each and every church member must in some way be affected by the continuing times of financial restraint. However, just because we are all facing difficulties it is not an excuse to forget or set aside our responsibilities to God.  In fact arguably it is a time to pull together – with the more able supporting those with the greatest difficulty.

‘If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. 

If one part is honoured, each part rejoices with it.’ 

                                                                        1 Corinthians 12: 26

In recent years as a church we have seen and been aware of God’s grace honouring and blessing our plans, providing sufficient for our needs in terms of volunteers, leaders and finance.  We believe that money is only part of our giving, especially when we see enthusiasm, time, energy and talents being freely given towards our outreach, ministry and mission. Thank you to everyone who has unstintingly, and in some cases sacrificially, given of their time and money over the years.

Members of the Church Council have tried to see money as an ‘enabler’ allowing us, under God, to improve our worship facilities, halls and church building as well as our work with children, young people and reaching out to the wider community.

Nonetheless we also recognise that a shortage of money can hamper mission opportunities and therefore we appeal to you to consider your response carefully and prayerfully.

‘Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously’ (NIV)

or put more bluntly in The Message,

‘A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop.’

                                                                                       2 Corinthians 9:6

This year we need to carry out repairs to the helical staircase in the tower; this will be covered from the Fabric Fund together with a generous contribution from the Friends of St Mary’s. As responsible custodians of our heritage and buildings we have a responsibility to ‘replenish the pot’, ready for the next rainy day.

The Parish Office, housed in a second-hand ‘portakabin’ in the Rectory garden is reaching the end of its useful life and we need to plan for a replacement. To progress this a feasibility study has been commissioned looking at the access to and use of our existing halls at an estimated cost of £5,000; this will be funded from our restricted funds.

This year the PCC have been very realistic, recognising the potential shortfall in giving and have set a deficit budget; trusting that in God’s good grace, together we will be able to ‘bridge the gap’. The New Testament doesn't give exact direction as to how much Christians are to give to the Lord's work; what we are told is that we are to give GENEROUSLY and with JOY. (2 Corinthians 9.7).  Further scriptural guidance is given on the reverse side of the enclosed Response Form.

We appeal to everyone to consider their personal planned giving in one of the following ways:-

1.    If you are not already making a contribution through the envelope scheme or standing order then please seriously consider doing so.  Like every household ideally we need to know we have a steady and reliable income, so that we can plan ahead and meet our responsibilities.

2.    The most efficient way to give is through a Standing Order arrangement at your bank – ‘gift aided’ in favour of St Mary’s.  In this way you do not have to find the right money each week, or play catch up after a holiday! 

If you pay tax, St Mary’s can claim tax relief on your donation increasing its overall value each month at no additional expense to you. So if you use envelopes now – why not convert to a Standing Order?

3.    Whichever scheme best suits you now is the time to review and consider whether even in these testing times you can afford to give just a little more.

4.    Of course we are all different and so are our personal circumstances.  If you are unable to make a long-term planned commitment then perhaps a ‘one-off’ gift might be the right response for you.

Now is the time to invest in our church life, and to express our gratitude to God, by making proper financial provision for today and the future.

‘Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their

extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  First I testify

that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. 

Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us

for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.’

  2 Corinthians 8: 2-4

In conclusion let us turn to God in prayer, learn from scripture, examine ourselves and in particular re-asses our commitment to God and our church family in terms of planned financial giving. It is a simple fact that, with very few exceptions, the only people to significantly support the ministry of a local church are its own members and it is therefore important that a considerable proportion of their giving go to their local church if they wish their church's ministry to continue. 

Please complete the response form, being realistic and honest with yourself, before God.

Thank you.

RECTOR                    CHURCH WARDENS                                 TREASURER

GUIDANCE

The New Testament doesn't give exact direction as to how much Christians are to give to the Lord's work; what we are told is that we are to give GENEROUSLY and with JOY. (2 Corinthians 9.7)  

Early Christians would have been aware of the Jewish tithe (10%) which is described in several places in the Old Testament (Genesis 14.20 and Malachi 3.10).   This still leaves a number of questions for you to prayerfully consider when you determine how much you will give.

Some people tithe their net income (after tax) while other tithe the gross, working on the principal that if the government takes their cut 'from the top’, God should be allowed the same privilege!  Many Christians give generously to numerous charities and good causes over and above the tithe that they give to their local church. 

The suggestion from the Church of England (moderate as ever) is that Christians give half their tithe (5%) to their local church and the other half to various other charities.  Others prefer the idea of a 'graduated tithe' where those on a high income should be giving away considerably more than 10% of their income, while those on a very low income should perhaps give less than a full tithe. However after prayerful and careful consideration it is for you and the Lord determine how much you are to give.

5% Ready Reckoner