What are the Current Needs?

We give thanks to God for generous one-off gifts which have enabled us to pay for all our regular bills, renew our church heating system, and contribute our full Parish Share to the Diocese of London Common Fund in 2023.  The Parish Share is the annual amount of money requested by the diocese to sustain the parish over the long term and therefore something we aspire to pay in full.

We pray that God will enable us to meet our needs in 2024 as he did in 2023, and that our regular costs would be met by regular giving.  This is an audacious prayer because in recent years inflation has increased our costs while our regular giving has declined.  The income shortfall is expected to be £30,000 in 2024, which represents 15% of total regular expenditure.  Nevertheless, if we depend upon God and ask him, with listening hearts, to guide us we can have confidence that He will meet our needs.  This prayer is commended to individual members and the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

We pray that God would lead Johnny and Hannah to their next assignment by a clear path.  Johnny’s curacy comes to an end in July 2024, and we would like to be able to offer him a two‑year post at All Saints’ Laleham as Assistant Minister.  The PCC seeks pledges of giving from church members to help decide whether an offer can be made.  The total annual cost of employing an assistant minister is estimated to be £73,410 broken down as follows:

·         Stipend, National Insurance and Pension: £43,260

·         House rent: £25,200

·         Council Tax: £3,500

·         Water Bill: £450

·         Working expenses: £1000.

Please pray about these needs and discuss them with the Vicar, Churchwarden, Treasurer, and other PCC members.  You may also find the general advice about How Much To Give helpful.  When you have come to a decision then please complete the form Response to ASL 2024 Appeal and send it to the Treasurer.  Please respond by 18/02/2024.