What would we like to do?
We’d like to build on what we already do, to grow in faith, in compassion, and in number. We’d like to make our building more accessible and flexible, without losing its beauty.
What do we need to do?
Offer time, skills and talent If we are to continue to grow and be a visible and present church in our community, we need people to volunteer their time, skills and talents, especially if we also want to do new things, such as the Christmas Festival we have planned in December. What you can offer is up to you. You might be good at practical maintenance, or making tea, you might sing or play a musical instrument, you might be creative in the visual arts or good at technical things such as operating our sound system. You might be good at baking cakes, welcoming others, or stacking chairs. It could be that you like working with children or with older people. You might even like to sit on committees! The opportunities are many and varied.
Raise our financial giving
Like everybody, we need to pay our bills and maintain what we already have. So, our financial giving is very important. The cost of keeping the Church open is likely to hit £28,600 this year. In addition to this we pay something called “The Parish Share”, which contributes to the cost of the ministry we receive from our clergy. Previously this has been set at £29,000 a year, but because we now have a full-time Vicar this figure will increase significantly. This will mean the combined costs to open the church will rise to a minimum of £1,800 a week – an increase of 63%. All of this is before we contribute to our charity partners or consider any extra spending. Whilst our reserves will help us meet this in the short term, we urgently need to increase our regular committed giving. We know that the subject of money can be sensitive, and we don’t expect anybody to give more than their means allow, but any contribution will be greatly valued and appreciated.
Why do we give?
Whether we give of our time or with our money, we do so out of grace, gratitude and generosity, in response to the love and generosity we have received from God. In times gone by, the Church expected people to give 10% of their income, which they generally did. Today we give what we can, with a thankful heart.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:7
How do we give?
If you would like to volunteer or offer a particular skill or talent, please talk to our Church Warden, Sara Mann – saramann50@gmail.com, or Revd Dean – vicar@kettonandtinwell.uk. Also look out for opportunities throughout the year.
If you would like to give financially, the easiest way is to give through the Parish Giving Scheme. This collects your regular donations by Direct Debit.
If you pay tax, you can also increase the value of your gift through Gift Aid, so for every £1 you give, PGS is able to pay the church an extra 25p which it reclaims from the HM Revenue and Customs. Giving by this method also offers you the option to give anonymously. If you’d like to choose this option, please visit the Giving Page
For further help and other ways to give you can contact our Treasurer, Richard Dixon, rdixon.ketton@outlook.com. You may also wish to consider leaving a legacy in your will.
Whatever you decide to do, thank you.
Revd Dean Akrill
