St. Mary’s Church Finances

In 2008, when St Mary’s was running at a financial deficit, we ran a brief campaign Resourcing for Renewal and Growth to try to raise sufficient regular income to meet three objectives:

1, to eliminate the deficit;

2, to pay our fair share of the cost of having a resident Rector;

3, to make donations to other bodies in need.

All these objectives were achieved with Mercy Ships and the Diocese of Northern Argentina being the charities benefiting.

Several of the respondents in 2008 worship at and support other churches though some have no church at all but would not want Threlkeld to be without a church and Rector even though they might attend only rarely.  However, though giving has increased significantly, expenditure has risen even more.  It now costs about 64% more to run the church than in 2008 and we are in danger of running into deficits again.

There may be some who believe that their gifts may be “taxed” by the Diocese in Quota.  Things have changed and Quota has been replaced by Parish Share all of which goes to the support of parish priests and none to the Diocesan costs.  Also each parish decides how much Parish Share will be provided by them.  So please be reassured that all the money you give will be for the benefit of St. Mary’s in Threlkeld.

We appeal to all in the Parish (and visitors too, if they wish) to make regular contributions to St Mary’s finances.  For those who pay Income Tax we ask that their gifts are given under Gift Aid which is a Government scheme helping churches and charities by repaying income tax paid.  It adds 25% to the value of your gift.

There are several ways you can make regular donations – weekly envelopes to put in the Collection when coming to church; Monthly or Annual Standing Orders on your bank or simply money given regularly in cash or cheque to the Treasurer (what you give remains confidential between you and the Treasurer).  Please ask for Stuart as Treasurer for a Standing Order form or to discuss your wishes.

Rev Peter Barnes                                                          Stuart Cresswell

Rector                                                                              Treasurer, Vale View, 79262