Parish of Wonersh with Blackheath

 

A Simple Guide to our Accounts

An open letter to all members of the fellowship of Wonersh with Blackheath

October 2006

 

 

 

We are coming up to the time when we set the budget for the coming year, and review how our finances are getting on this year.   Accounts and spread sheets are not easily understood so this guide is intended to simplify the figures as much as possible so that you can see what is being done and perhaps become involved in some of the important decisions that are made on your behalf by the PCC.  With the assurance that, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are being the best stewards of God’s gifts that we are able please keep your giving continually under review.

 

The accounts of the Parish of Wonersh with Blackheath are in two parts for the PCC and DCC produced by the Treasurers of St John the Baptist Wonersh and St Martin’s Blackheath respectively.  These are presented to the Annual Church meetings held in March/April. The following is a simplification of these accounts and in no way is this intended to provide any information which is not previously published and approved.

 

 

St Martin’s, Blackheath (2005 accounts)

Blackheath INCOME was slightly less than ₤16K from which some ₤10K was paid to the PCC as a contribution towards the Parish Share and church activity.  Some ₤1800 was made to outward giving.  There is a Blackheath General Fund, an Income Endowment Fund, Fabric Fund and Organ Fund.  A significant programme of work on St Martin’s church is being planned which will require additional fundraising.

 

 

St John the Baptist, Wonersh

Wonersh INCOME  totaling about ₤150K comes mainly comes from regular giving, gift days, tax recovery and the contribution from Blackheath DCC.  From this we take some ₤14K for outward giving.    This excludes gifts for specific events or organizations which are always clearly identified (for instance the Usolanga Church Gift Day).  

 

Our  EXPENDITURE broadly comprises:-

·        The Parish Share to the Diocese of some ₤80K, which amongst other things pays the salary of the Vicar.

·         Ministry costs of some ₤30K, which includes the paid parish staff (including the Youth Worker Jon Noble, Secretary Molly and Childrens Worker Nicky Cooke) , secretarial and admin costs and some costs of the vicarage.   Note that some members of the fellowship also make designated support for the Accredited Lay Worker Liz Tilley mitigating the cost to the Parish.

·        Church and Services – some ₤20K pays for heat & light, insurance, repairs, organ and other expenses for the church and cemetery, as well as provision this year of ₤10K towards fabric maintenance fund.

·         Other Costs comprise about ₤3K for Lawnsmead (netting letting income and costs) and some ₤4K on other items.

 

 

A few words on our Outward giving, which as a policy represents at least 10% of our planned giving income.  About two thirds of this is directed overseas by OMST with the remaining third to home organizations directed by the Finance team.   Light Factory have a small fund and raise money which they direct.  In addition we have specific Gift Days and have just raised ₤7K for Usolonga Church in Tanzania.  Note that St Martin’s make their own separate arrangements for outward giving.

 

We have several Funds that have been built up or which arise from bequeathals or other gifts, some designated for specific purposes. Details are in our accounts. These Funds include:-

  • General Fund
  • Fabric Funds for the Church, Vicarage and Lawnsmead.  These funds are topped up each year as described above from income.
  • Beatrice Cook Cemetery Fund – for capital work (not maintenance).
  • Rosemary Wedgwood Legacy.

 

Maintaining the fabric of church buildings often entails substantial expenditure.  Management of these activities is undertaken by the Buildings Committee, led by Terry Powles.   Major work on the church this year includes renewal of the electrics and lighting at St John the Baptist.  This is expected to cost around ₤35K and will be taken largely from the Fabric Fund which itself was substantially funded from last year’s gift-day receipts.  Next year it is planned to repaint the interior and this will require extensive restoration of previously inadequate (but well intentioned) paint jobs.  It is planned to open a special appeal fund to cover this work.

 

Because of the introduction of significant fees by Lloyds Bank the PCC have agreed that we will change our banker to CAF Bank(operated by the Charities Aid Foundation).  Standing Orders paid into our accounts cannot be automatically transferred and therefore individuals will need to advise their own banks of the change accordingly.   We will provide the necessary details at the appropriate time however please keep an eye on the position and follow instructions promptly in order to make the transition as smooth as possible.

 

Remember God loves a cheerful giver, when we let go of our purse strings it brings us complete freedom in Christ!   Details of our outward giving can be found on the parish website www.wonershchurch.com on the pages for “Home Mission” and “OMST”.   Guidance on how to give and tax implications can be found on the page on “Making the Most of your Giving”.   Please encourage the use of the blue envelopes for any cash giving in the plate.   At Wonersh we do not take a collection at services, but please remember the plate is always there by the sidesmen as you enter or leave for your donation.

 

 

Yours in Christ,

 

 

David Legg

Warden,