Giving To Our Churches

 This kind of devastation highlights how having up to date and relevant ecclesiastical insurance is absolutely paramount for the rebuilding of such a beautiful building; how the regular inspections and remedial works continually undertaken ensure our churches remain safe, secure and visible reminders of the Lord’s presence within our daily lives.  

We have to protect and care for our buildings if we are to ensure their future within our town for generations to come. Never before have our churches been forced to remain closed in this way; never before have we needed you so much, to step in as guardians of these magnificent pieces of architecture, the visible symbols of our faith and its ability to carry us through this unprecedented time.  

 - Giving by regular church members: this may be by standing order, direct debit, the envelope scheme or by cash or cheque.

- Income from collections: at weddings, baptisms, funerals and other special services.

- Fees for Weddings, funerals in church and burials in churchyards: the fees are set nationally, and we receive no fee for baptisms or for funerals at the Crematorium;

- Fundraising and Social events: some of these attract the most income from regular worshippers, others from wider members of the community.

- Hall Lettings (and in some cases, the church building): some income is from church, others from the community, and a small number from commercial organisations.

- Gift Aid Tax Refund: on money donated by taxpayers and on small donations (under £30) 

While our buildings were closed, there were no regular services and also no baptisms, weddings or funerals in church; the local church received no fees from the only funerals permitted during the lockdowns, which took place at the graveside or crematorium. 

As these and all other services were not taking place, we lost collection income too and as our giving went down, so did the amount we could claim through Gift Aid. In addition to this, we had no income from Hall lettings and virtually if not all Fundraising and Social events ceased.

While our churches were closed due to Covid-19, thankfully we were spending less on energy consumption for heating, lighting and water; evidently we were not spending on bread, wine, candles, and little on paper and other consumables, and so far (luckily) we have had little call on resources to repair and maintain the buildings.  

BUT

 even now that our churches have reopened for communal worship, attendance is still (understandably) very low, collection funds are not much higher, there are minimal if any fees coming from weddings or baptisms and many paying groups have not yet come back to our church halls, if indeed they return at all.

 AND

- We still have to pay for insurance
- We still have to pay fixed energy costs
- We still have to have safety and electrical equipment inspections.
- We still have to pay our contribution to the cost of ministry. 

Yes!!