GIVING TO THE CHURCH & STEWARDSHIP [page last updated 20/2/12]

Each church is responsible for paying its way. Not only the usual running costs of electricity, gas, water, insurance, office and other church supplies and the ever present maintenance of the building and grounds, and expenses for clergy, staff, sunday clubs and music/choir, but also the 'Parish Share' which is an annual amount required from each church by the Diocese (in our case, St Albans Diocese). Additionally, most churches also try to give money to mission and charities that it wishes to support. Not only does the Diocese not pay us anything to run our churches, but we have to pay the Diocese! The Parish Share is used by the Diocese to pay clergy stipends (salaries) and pension contributions, clergy housing, training for both clergy and lay people and the many resources and support services that the Diocese provide to parishes. (It doesn't go to the Diocese for cathedrals and bishops - that is funded independently. Likewise is doesn't pay pensions to retired clergy, that's from the Church Commisioners.) In addition, some of the Parish Share is used to support poorer parishes who cannot pay their way. Collections are taken at each service, and other organised events raise funds, but the main source of income is regular giving by the congregation. Regular giving, especially via a standing order from your bank, ensures your gift is given even if you cannot come to church every week and is a better and easier alternative to the weekly pew envelopes - and if you are a tax payer then using 'gift aid' increases your gift. How much should you give? That depends upon your disposable income and what other regular giving you make. Overall, some try to give 10% of their income to those in need. Based on current membership we suggest each member should try to give to their church the equivalent of 75p per day (£5 per week, £22 per month) as a minimum throughout the year just so that churches can meet their basic financial obligations. Couples should give twice that between them. Although through circumstance some will give less, many others can hopefully give more, but you can see that giving £5 in the collection bag or plate only when you attend falls short of this suggested minimum. If you want to know how your money is spent then the annual accounts are available to view. Pavenham additionally has a 'Friends' organisation which can raise substantial sums from villagers to keep the church building in good order and is effectively a form of insurance against unexpected high repair costs. It draws in people from across the village who would not normally consider themselves as church goers but who nevertheless value the church. Likewise, Milton Ernest has a less formal 'Friends of All Saints' that contributes to the church's Fabric Fund, and Thurleigh has recently set up a 'Friends' organisation. Money given to the church via the 'Friends' is restricted to building work and is not normally available for church running costs or towards paying the Parish Share. Of course, the church needs more than money - it needs you with your individual God given talents to be employed in the growth of the church. Time is precious, but your time for the good of the church is valuable in developing better pastoral care, deeper spiritual fellowship, and for the usual voluntary jobs in the service of the church. Above all, your time proclaiming the Good News of Jesus and inviting others into the Church fellowship is what we should all be concerned with to build God's kingdom and secure the Christian presence here for future generations. If you think you can help, then talk to the Vicar or a Churchwarden - see the CONTACT US page.