The activities and ministries of St James' Church are supported entirely by the members of the church. This includes all the staff salaries as well as the stipend of the vicar. The church also contributes it's full share of the costs involved in financing the Church of England at both diocesan and national levels, and seeks to make additional contributions to support other churches.
A significant proportion of our giving is directed towards our mission partners. |
Ten percent of monies given towards our building project are re-directed in support of mission projects around the world (unless specifically designated solely for the work on the church). As well as seeing our own church repaired and refurbished we have been able to participate in Christian building projects in Bulgaria, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
It helps our finances if giving is made by standing order from your bank and if you pay tax that this is gift-aided. The forms necessary to put this in place can be found by clicking gift aid or standing order mandate. |
This year, 2010, we are looking to continue the various ministries of the church. This will require on average increase of £5 per month per person in order to provide the £15,000 necessary to balance our current deficit budget.
If you would like to give but wish to talk with someone first, our treasuer, Clive Sprawson or our gift-aid secretary David Hopkinson would be glad to meet with you. Please email or telephone the Parish Office a message will be passed to them.
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Giving by legacy
In the past, the work of St James has benefited greatly from members who have left money to the church in their wills in the form of a legacy. When making your will, do prayerfully consider to include the church. It is a means of enabling St James to continue to bring the good news of the kingdom long after you have departed. It is also a means of reducing your inheritance tax liability if you are over the threshhold (£325,000 at present). For instance, if you leave a legacy to St James of £25,000, you would save £10,000 inheritace tax.
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Giving—how the numbers are adding up—more good news June 2010.
At the end of April, giving was up by 6.5% and expenditure was down by 5.5% on budget, so instead of the expected deficit of £14,000, there is a projected surplus of just over £4,000.
While this surplus is based on the first four months, these figures are very encouraging. Members have responded generously to the request to review their giving and to gift aid their donations.
Just a reminder for those who have not yet gift aided their donations, for someone who pays tax, the church is able to claim 28 pence back from the government for every pound that is donated.
Clive, Church Treasurer |
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