If you missed our Annual Meeting in April you may be unaware that, in order to try to balance our church's budget, we are having to halve the hours which Peter Waddell works as our co-ordinator. From July, Peter will only work one day each week. This means inevitably that we are looking for other people who might take on some of what Peter does now. If YOU could you help with any of the following, please let William know.

1. Village News contact person for printing & attend annual VN meeting availability for occasional extra printing as needed.
   
2. Churchyard Maintenance contact person availability for occasional extra mowing as needed recycling of flower-waste arranging the maintenance of equipment.
   
3. Surrey Churches' Cycle Ride  contact person prepare paperwork in early September.
   
4. Book of Remembrance contact person and record keeping arranging engraving.
   

Xavier Gunner presented The Treasurer's report and Financial Statements on behalf of Michael Clarkson Webb. He explained the concern over the growing deficit and the need to bring expenditure back into line with income.  The PCC had given considerable thought to this during recent meetings and had determined that the two items of expenditure over which there was some control were the level of outward giving and the cost of the Parish Co-ordinator. 

These were not easy decisions, as we want to continue to be a `giving church`, but we cannot give what we don't have.  The PCC are recommending that the formula for outward giving be set as a target of 10% of its income (rather than a fixed 10% of income), with the onus moving to the congregation to make sure that we give enough to enable us to meet our targets through regular giving (such as when we have visiting speakers) and our support of individual appeals such as Christian Aid.

With regard to the cost of the Parish Co-ordinator: the cost of £6,500 per year is a financial outlay we cannot afford at the moment.  Our finances are deteriorating, so we need to act now.  The PCC has discussed the matter at length, and Peter's current contract of employment will be terminated at the end of June.  A new arrangement has been negotiated for Peter on a self employed contractual basis which it is envisaged will halve the cost (but also halve his time).

This new arrangement can only cut costs by eliminating valuable features of our church unless we, the congregation, pull together and volunteer our services to help Peter and William by filling some of the gaps that will arise.

Xavier concluded by emphasising that The Church is there for all in the village, but it is up to all the congregation to help it survive, live and flourish.  Times have changed - so must we.