Giving of Money

The facts:

• It costs us over £16,000 every month just to meet our current costs and expenditure as a parish.  You may not have been aware of this.  Does it shock you? 

• In 2016 we managed our finances effectively and ended up with a small surplus.  We will do well to break even this year.
• The generous financial support of long-standing, usually older, church members is not being matched by the levels of giving from members of our congregation who have joined in recent years.  The disparity in average giving is marked, which has significant implications for our sustainability.  Regular and realistic giving by everyone, as a team, is essential.
• Our principal source of money to finance the ministry in the parish is the support provided by the individuals who worship at St Mary’s.

Projected Income and Expenditure July 2017-June 2018:

*Includes stipends of clergy, pensions for retired clergy and widows, training, legal advice and support and advice relating to buildings.

If you’d like to know more about how our money is spent, please speak to Jane Wills, PCC Treasurer or email .

Why are we short of money?  What has changed?

In addition to inflationary running costs, we asked the Bishop to allocate a full time paid curate to Wargrave and we are pleased that Hugh Barne joined us in July. 

Under new Diocesan rules, while they will pay for the salary of the curate, each parish is responsible for housing.  We estimate that the annual cost of this will be £12,000 to £15,000.

Also, in order to increase our ministry with young people, we have employed Grace Barne, a qualified youth worker, for 15 hours per week at a salary of just under £10,000 a year.

What are we doing to balance our books?

We decided to launch a Stewardship Campaign at the beginning of May.  Andrew Imlay is responsible for the campaign and St Mary’s PCC members have already supported this generously.  The aim is to increase the level of regular giving by £30,000 per annum (plus Gift Aid rebate).  We are over 30% of the way towards this target.  We now need the remainder of the congregation to step up!  Every extra £10 per month will make a difference.

What can you do to help?

Please spend some time thinking about the questions below:

• What do you spend on subscriptions to organisations that you belong to, such as gyms and sports clubs, during the year? 
• Should you give at least a similar amount to your church family? What do you spend on cars or bicycles in the course of a year?  
• Is the church not as important to the spiritual welfare of you and your children as the cars or bicycles are to your mobility? 
• How much did you spend on your family holiday this year?  
• Do you give an equal amount to your church family during the year? 
• Do you think and pray carefully and realistically about your giving to the church? 
• If you don’t do so already, are you able to give by a regular monthly payment through your bank?

The Future

It is very important that the finances of St Mary’s are sound and sustainable.  Future generations will have their own challenges including the maintenance of the church building the cost of which can only rise over time.  We have a responsibility to build the financial strength of our church.

Our vision is to make St Mary’s the church at the heart of the Wargrave community.  We can only do this if we are strong financially.

We need you to do one of the following:

• Increase your current monthly rate of giving
• Start a regular monthly payment to the church through your bank. 
• Make a one-off donation, if the above are not possible.

If you are a new giver then a standing order form needs to be completed together with a Gift Aid declaration if possible. (See below)   

Final Word

The Lord Jesus Christ reminds us that, ultimately, giving is more rewarding than receiving.

Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

Luke 6: 38

Gift Aid

The Government is able to refund to the Church the tax (income tax or capital gains tax) a donor has paid on the money which is given to a Charitable organisation. This is worth an additional £2.50 for every £10 given. This can be achieved by the donor making a Gift Aid Declaration - either on a form, or on a donation envelope - and these are available in Church. A copy of a combined Gift Aid Declaration form and a Standing Order form which enables donors to give regularly is available on request from Richard Lloyd - see below..

With many changes taking place regarding the levels of taxation and personal allowances, it is important for donors to ensure that sufficient tax has been paid each year to cover the total amount of refunds being claimed by Gift Aided donations.

All correspondence regarding Gift Aid can be sent to the PCC's Stewardship Recorder,  

Legacies can make a lasting difference