To friends of St Mary’s, Fairford
from The Rev’d Brian Atkinson
14 October 2012
In the current financial climate we are all feeling the pinch and St Mary’s is no exception. We have struggled to meet our
financial obligations for some time now and last year only managed to do so by using our reserves; we are currently running
at a shortfall of £15,000 per year. This obviously cannot go on and I would ask you to read this letter in the spirit in
which it is intended – as one Christian to another.
Offering to the Church our time, talent and money is our response to God’s love for us. A love exemplified in his son,
Jesus Christ who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. A ransom paid not with money
but with his life, redeeming us through his suffering and death on the cross so that in Him we have redemption, the forgiveness
of our sins. When we consider God’s all-encompassing love for us and what it cost Him to achieve our salvation how can we not
respond joyfully and generously?
The Church is the Body of Christ on earth commissioned to continue His work of proclaiming the Gospel and bringing
people to Christ. That, essentially, is our Ministry at St Mary’s, everything else is incidental. If that Ministry is to
be accomplished then, as God’s people, we need to finance it.
The main thing is how we do it. We are very fortunate at St Mary’s in having some extremely able and effective
fundraisers and, without their efforts, the shortfall would be much higher. We also benefit from amounts raised by
sales of guide books and postcards etc. This is excellent but perhaps a good analogy would be to imagine managing
your household budget by relying on your Premium Bond winnings. We all know that we need a regular and reliable income
so that we can plan ahead – and St Mary’s is no different.
What we need to realise is that what we put into the plate, envelope or Standing Order is a vital contribution to
God’s work and not the token amount we used to put in when we were children. In that way and by utilising the benefits
of having a regular and reliable income, Gift Aided where possible, we will put ourselves on a sound financial footing
and be able to get on with the important work.
The ideal world:
- Income exceeds expenditure (a sign that we have read and understood 2 Corinthians 9 : 6-9)
- Fundraising increases and is used for special projects and charitable giving
- Our efforts are focused on looking outwards and helping others to come to Faith.
Click here for a leaflet giving guidance on how to support
St Mary's financially. Please read this carefully; if you have any queries please let me know.
May God bless and keep you,
Brian Atkinson
Standing Order Form
Gift Aid Form
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