Thank you very much to all those who are continuing to support the church financially during these unprecedented times. We are very aware that many of you will have financial worries and, of course, these must be your first priority. However, we have been asked by some of the people who normally make cash donations whether there is a way they can still give to the church during the lockdown. The answer is yes, please!
As you may be aware, we are members of the Church of England Parish Giving Scheme, which allows individuals to make regular payments direct to St Peter’s. It is easy to set up, secure and confidential, and it also means that we can reclaim an additional 25% of the gift from the government – an invaluable bonus! We can also accept one-off online donations safely and securely via SumUp.
Links and details can be found on our Ways to Donate page. If you would like any further information, please contact our Parish Giving Officer, Neil Hornsby (neilahornsby@outlook.com, 07980 941650) who will be pleased to explain, in total confidentiality, the options available to you.
Thank you – and please stay safe. Ruth and Aileen
Like most churches, St Peter’s depends for its income almost entirely on the generosity of its members. It is not financed by the Church of England centrally or by wealth inherited from past generations. Our financial commitments include maintenance of the historic church building and grounds, a substantial contribution to the diocese (which includes the pay of the vicar), and support for charity and community projects.
TO COVER THESE COSTS, ST PETER’S NEEDS TO RAISE £3,000 PER WEEK.
INCOME
The church receives about 75% of its annual income through the generous donations and support of those who attend the various Church services. Most of the remaining 25% comes from wedding and funeral fees, fundraising during the Patronal Festival Week and Fête Weekend, rent from the Verger’s Cottage and Belli Centre and legacies (which are often given for specific purposes).
EXPENDITURE
In round terms, one third of our income is spent on the daily running costs and direct upkeep of the church itself, whilst two-thirds pays our “Parish Share”. This is our contribution to the Diocese of Chelmsford, which covers the stipend, housing, pension contributions and training costs of our vicar, the Diocese’s central services, and support for parishes in financial difficulty. In addition, we are committed to supporting charities outside the church. These charities are chosen annually.
As a church we are very grateful for the giving we receive, without which we could not continue. But our current situation means that we are only able to meet immediate demands.
We operate a “balanced budget”, so there is nothing left for significant future projects including:
- replacing the boiler
- repairing the roof
- restoring and reconfiguring the organ
- relaying the Belli Centre floor
- evangelical and outreach work in and out of the parish.
If you would like to help support St Peter’s financially, some of the options are listed here. For further information please contact Neil Hornsby, our Parish Giving Officer, on 07980 941650 or via e-mail on neilahornsby@outlook.com. Neil will be able to answer any questions you may have in complete confidentiality, and provide assistance in setting up your donation.