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At
the most recent annual meeting for St James' Church, the
finance committee highlighted some of the issues facing St
James' church over the next few years. Despite our church
being very much a thriving part of our local community, it
remains in financial difficulties. In the last six months
we have started to make many deep financial cutbacks and are
focusing on ways to increase our income. Nevertheless, we
need more help - and not just financially - to put us firmly
back on track.
THE CHALLENGE: To save
us from bankruptcy
In 2005 we overspent by £6,200 and our figures so far
this year indicate that we will overspend by a similar amount
in 2006. However, the real problem is that 2005 was not the
first year that we have had a shortfall: St James' has been
running a deficit in many of the past 10 years. During that
period, the church has been forced to use its savings to meet
the deficits. However, these savings are now dwindling at
an alarming rate. To bridge the gap last year, we had to dip
into a quarter of our savings. If we take no action, at the
current rate St James' church will be bankrupt in less than
five years. That means no church, no rector, no services (including
weddings and funerals), and none of the significant number
of other benefits that our church brings into the community.
THE CAUSE: Rising costs
The main issue is that we have been affected by rising
costs over which we have little control - in particular our
mandatory contribution to the diocese (which amongst other
things pays for the rector and the rectory) and other expenses
such as the church's heating, electricity and maintenance.
However, our income has not increased to keep up with our
rising costs.
WHAT WE ARE DOING TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGE: Planning ahead
We are sure many of you will agree that Elstead without St
James' Church is almost unthinkable. To avoid this disaster
we are determined to both cut back on our expenditure and
increase our income. We have put together a structured plan
and are targeting to break even in 2007, and we aim to make
small inroads to replenish our savings in 2008.
WHY WE NEED YOUR
HELP: Without you we will have no church
Many of you will
have noticed that so far this year Sunday club and the Sunday
services in St James' School have been the busiest ever. This
is the evidence of the future generations coming to church.
It is up to all of us - as the present stakeholders - to help
the church survive, live and flourish at the heart of our
village.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP: Lend a helping hand / Give an
extra £1 per week
Increasing your monetary giving is obviously very important
- an extra £1 per week from each church goer would solve the
immediate financial problem. However, we realise that not
everybody can afford to increase their financial commitment.
We also need practical help (either as individuals or as part
of a team) to fill some of the gaps left by reducing the Co-ordinator's
hours - some of these tasks are listed in the table below.
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