|
This department oversees our
stewardship of all that God supplies in order that we can function
as his church. The purpose and discipline of church membership
is laid out in a rule of life - from which we can establish good
stewardship of our resources. This involves us with a responsibility
for the maintenance of our property and for income generation
- especially pledged giving, but also fundraising projects.
Looking after our spiritual
health
Our church is a great
resource for us, giving order and structure to our yearning for
God, offering spiritual direction, counsel and support, as well
as a framework for worship and prayer. But we need to make a
personal response to God within the context of our church membership.
God has given each of us the ability to love, and scripture has
given us the command to love God and our neighbour as ourselves
- see Luke 10:25-37.
A responsible attitude to this
command requires us to order our lives in a clear and affirmative
answer to God's love. We say 'yes' to God by setting down a pledge
to live according to his will, to be regular in prayer, to serve
God and our neighbour by using our time, talents and money in
specific and appropriate ways. This is called a personal Rule
of Life, and each of us is invited to live by such a rule, under
the guidance of a spiritual director.
Looking after the heritage
of faith
As well as a personal
responsibility for our own gifts, we are also corporately responsible
for the gift of buildings and property which has been given to
the church by past generations. A miracle of regeneration over
a decade (1988-1998) transformed a drab and crumbling building
with few regular attenders into a beautiful place which now serves
approximately 80 - 90 worshippers each week. We are currently
engaged in extensive repairs to the church roof. We are also
beginning to look at developments to the frontage, facing Church
Road. Much effort and prayer has gone into the creation of this
church, but staffing and running it now costs over £1,400
a week, which is raised entirely by the efforts of church members.
It is only through the faith and generosity of its people that
our church continues to flourish and grow.
Pledged giving
In the church - like
any other organisation - finance plays an important role. We
are so lucky to have such a beautiful building, but the upkeep
is high. By pledging your giving, however great or small, we
are able to budget for our expenditure - such things as heat
and light, insurance, and the parish assessment which helps to
pay for our clergy.
Envelopes are available to put
in the collection each Sunday, or a standing order may be set
up. Many people pay tax and use the Gift Aid scheme so that we
can claim the tax paid on your offering at no additional cost
to you.
Giving is voluntary. You are
welcome in the church regardless of whether or not you are able
to join in one of these schemes. The amount you give is known
only to you, the Stewardship Secretary, the Treasurer (if you
use a banker's order) and God.
If you are new to Stewardship,
you can get information, envelopes, Gift Aid forms, etc. from
Carol Munn via the Contacts page.
The Parish Centre
Built for the parish
in 2001, there is a spacious hall and a smaller meeting room.
The Parish Centre houses the Parish Office and many of our church
activities, including Junior Church, Open to God sessions, the
Women's Group, special meetings and social events.
The Parish Centre Management
Team has a policy of outreach through preferential rates to local
Community Groups. The Centre is also a resource for public meetings,
independent church groups, children's parties and commercial
functions. Enquiries about booking can be made at the Parish
Office 020 8648 1566.
Fundraising
The Fundraising and Social Event team (FRASE) coordinates our
activities and events to help raise money for special projects,
and to augment the central funds for our core activities - as
well as promoting good relations with our neighbours, and helping
to show that the church members can have fun. We are responsible
for the famous Parish Pantomime every February, and the Summer
and Christmas Fairs. In recent times we have also arranged sponsored
skydiving for the roof project, quiz nights, a disco and a cycle
ride.
Social events
There are occasional social events, including the monthly Women's
Group. (link)
For more information, see Programme of Events
or contact Phil Cuerden via the Contacts
page.
Accounting and budgeting
The church is careful to ensure that its resources are well managed
and accounted for. An annual budget is set, so that financial
activity can be monitored, and a monthly summary of of all receipts
and payments is made. The church is fortunate in having an excellent
Finance team, who report to the PCC regularly.
Resources and purchasing
1. ROOF PROJECT
There are considerable payments required to cover the cost of
the roof project. Further work will need to be done in Phase
Two, to replace the flat roofs.
2. THE PARISH CENTRE
This building was provided as part of the redevelopment of the
Old Vicarage site in 2001 - see above - and the Private Open
Space was purchased shortly after that. Both are managed by the
Parish Centre Management Team.
3. LANDSCAPE AND SIGNAGE
We are embarking on a major project to improve the surroundings
of our church, with great visibility from the road and better
signs along our perimeter.
Contacts via the Contacts
page.
Stewardship Secretary Carol Munn
Fundraising and Social Events Phil Cuerden
Resources & purchasing, Parish Centre Manager Mike Carpenter
Treasurer Ted Allen
Budgeting Prince Swaray
|
