Giving to the Church

How are our finances?

Trends

Our expenditure exceeded our income by £3.000 in 2006 and by £4,000 in 2007.

The 2007 outcome was better than we feared, mostly because members of the congregation increased their giving to the church. Thank you!

In 2008 we know that some expenses will rise (particularly quota and heat & light). Unless we increase giving or cut costs, we expect a £20,000 deficit. Our savings won’t last long at that rate.

 

 

 

Where does our money come from?

Income

The largest part of the church’s income comes from members through giving and the associated tax recovery through Gift Aid. Other sources such as rents and fundraising make a significant contribution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where our money goes:Expenditure

We have little control over a large portion of our costs.

To avoid a big deficit in 2008, we need giving to increase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How much should I give to St Matthew's?

Give in proportion to your income

Our last survey of incomes showed an annual income of about £22,000.
The diocese calculates that our average giving to St Matthew’s should be £76.50 per month. The diocese asks us to give just under 60% of this as Quota.

How much do members of St Matthew’s actually give?Monthly giving


The chart (right) shows how many people give in various bands.

On average, members of St Matthew’s give about 2% of their incomes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It might help you to think about the costs of other things that you buy. For example:

Cost per month

How should I give to St Matthew's?

1. Give in a tax-efficient way

If you are a taxpayer, please sign a Gift Aid form. St Matthews can then reclaim the tax that you have paid on your gifts.

Tax changes in 2008 will reduce the amount that we can claim back by 10%

2. Give by a regular giving method:

  • Regular standing order from your bank

  • Freewill envelopes

Regular giving helps the church because we know how much will be coming in - also your gift will be made if you are away on holiday.

3. One-off giving:

  • The collection plate in church

  • Donations via the Treasurer

  • Charity cheques

  • Legacies

You can Gift Aid one-off gifts by using one of the envelopes in church and we can recover the tax.

Legacies have made a significant contribution in recent years. Please think of St Matthews when you are making your will. If you can, please leave something to “St Matthew’s PCC”.

Other sources of income:

In addition to giving by members, we raise money in several ways.

Hall and room lettings

These provide a good income. If you know anyone who is looking for somewhere to hold a function such as a children’s party, please encourage them to hire the hall.

Fundraising occasions at church

These are always good fun and make a valuable contribution: please support them whenever you can. If you can help with the organisation of an event, please do!

Bungalow rentals

Rent from the two bungalows is an important source of income but this is reduced whenever we accommodate a member of the church staff – at the moment we are providing accommodation for a Curate, so this source of income is reduced and we need to make up the difference.

Our costs

Diocesan quota

The diocese Fairer Shares scheme asks parishes to contribute according to their ability. The diocese uses the Quota to provide clergy and vicarages for all the parishes in the diocese. In that way wealthier parishes help poorer ones. The quota is set by the Diocese and we cannot control it.

Cost control

We always try to keep our costs down while providing a good standard of comfort and facilities in church. It is not easy to cut costs and to still run the church as we would wish.

So please:

Review your giving, and increase it if you possibly can.

Thank you.

Supporting your church

St Matthews Church,
Chichester Road
Croydon
CR0 5NQ

 

“All things come from you, and of your own do we give you”