As with any organisation, the church has it's financial obligations. The church is a charity and therefore any funds raised are purely from donations, the Church receives no help from either the government or utility providers.
Alongside you everyday running costs including electricity, gas, expenses, sundry items etc, St Gabriels pays to the diocese the 'Parish Share'. The Parish Share pays for things like provision of clergy, diocesan administrative costs etc.
Currently St Gabriel's is behind in it's payments to the diocese for the parish share for 2019, along with this is an arrears from previous years. The Coronavirus epidemic has meant we are not meeting for worship and therefore the income is very poor, alongside what is already a very poor situation.
We are appealing to the congregation to consider how they can consistently continue their giving and we welcome donations from interested parties in order that we can continue to shine God's light, mercy and love in this community. Congregation members might like to consider:
*Setting up a direct debit so their giving is sustained throughout the year (and we can budget better)
*Increase your giving. When did you last increase the amount you give each week and is it in line with the current cost of living?
*Online banking into the parish account (Email the treasurer...see the contacts page)
*Using our 'justgiving' page. Details are below.
To clarify, the 'just giving' page is another way in which we can give to the work of the Church, it isn't to replace other forms of giving like the envelope scheme or direct debit, if you are already doing this then please continue and try to ensure your donation is passed on to us. If you would like to make an extra donation, then please feel free to use the just giving page.
It is for each individual to decide what you can realistically give. Now is our time and place to be the best stewards of the legacy of past benefactors whose generosity allows us to worship in our lovely building. Let us hope and pray that our response today, means that in years to come, we will be the inspiration for future generations to do the same.
