This notice relates to the church’s general fund – the finances which pay for the day to day running of St Johns (and not the re-ordering of the church building). It was explained at each of the services on the 22nd September and is reprinted here for the benefit of those who were not able to be at the service.
1. At the start of this year, when we had to plan financially for the year ahead, we recognised that in order to continue with all the ministries and activities we are already involved in, we would have to spend more than we expected to receive in income through the course of the year – these predictions were based on income and spending in the previous year.
2. We planned to make up the difference in expected income and spending by having a Gift Day later in the year –and this was presented to the church at the APCM – annual church meeting in April – hence the Gift Day announced here!
3. The amount that we need to raise this year through the giving of the church is at least £30,000. As our minister, Nigel, made clear in his sermon last week, this is something we all need to be a part of, by giving as much as we are able.
4. In many ways £30,000 is a small amount for a congregation of our size (and wealth) – so we are confident that we will be able to raise this amount with the generous giving of God’s people in this place – but we will only be able to raise this amount if we all play our part and give according to our ability. Certainly we could look to share the burden between us evenly – so for example, if we looked to raise the £30,000 from 100 households represented in the regular congregations – that would mean £300 per household. Clearly that would not be realistic, as we are not all able to give the same amount, but that is ok as many of us can give more.
5. So, please consider prayerfully over the coming week(s) what you are able to give, remembering that all we have, we have because of God’s gracious provision. Let us give generously and sacrificially.
6. You can do so, during the week, or you could bring your contribution to church on Sunday. You can give by cash, cheque or direct transfer.
Cheques payable to St John’s Knutsford PCC
Bank details for BACS payments are: Sort Code 20-53-77 and Account Number 50278548
If you are a tax payer, and you pay sufficient tax to be able to gift aid your donation, please do so, as it means we can get an extra 25% of your donation back from the government. Gift aid forms are available to download below and at each of our services or from the church office.
Gift Aid declaration: download here
If perhaps you are not in a position to give immediately, but you may be able to do so over the next month or so, then please would you make that known to Barry Chidlow, our treasurer, Nigel or one of the wardens.
6. We looking forward to being able to report that we have raised the £30,000 we need and even exceeded it so that the financial start to next year is much better. And finally, it would be good if we would all re-assess our giving – if you are not giving regularly perhaps you would consider doing so; if you are already giving please re-consider what you are giving – is it a fairly arbitrary figure, or does it truly represent all that you can give? Ideally we could do with increasing our regular giving so that we do not need to rely on appeals like this to keep operating as a church.
We are really excited about the opportunity we all have to give to the service of God in this place and beyond – and to see how God will use each one of us to provide for our finances at this time!