St John’s holds an Annual Gift Day to raise much-needed funds to meet the day-to-day running costs, ensuring that the church remains available for the local community. Your generosity in donating money to our Gift Day appeal over the past years has been greatly appreciated. This year our Gift Day will be held on Sunday, May 9th, during the 10.30am service. You are very welcome, as always, to join us if you can.
However, if you are unable to be there, please feel free to hand your gift in at another of our services or deliver it to Hilary (Orchard Croft, Duck Lane), Alan (2 Booth Avenue). Vicar Phil Weston (14 Dunns Lane) or our Treasurer Keith Morley (37 Peel Crescent). Alternatively, a direct transfer to Ashton Hayes PCC, at Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-91-92, Account 00033338, Ref: Gift Day would be appreciated.
The total cost of running and maintaining the church, churchyard, and our ministry for a year is about £51,000. This means that the cost each week is over £980. (These figures do not include the cost of major repairs or alterations to the building.) We currently average just over £570 a week in collections at services and planned giving, leaving a shortfall of around £410, which we generate from fees, special events, donations and other fundraising activities. Please can you help us to continue our work in this parish by donating to the Gift Day? Every pound donated will be most gratefully received and spent wisely to ensure that the church remains as a focal point for fellowship as well as a valuable resource for the local community.
Donating money to the church can be tax efficient under the Government’s Gift Aid scheme, through which we can reclaim from HM Revenue 25 pence of every £1 donated. If you are a taxpayer, please fill in the slip below and pop it in an envelope with your gift. This will enable our treasurer to make sure that your gift is treated as tax efficiently as possible.
If you are already in our regular planned giving scheme, please consider this as an opportunity to review your weekly or monthly giving. If you would like to join this scheme, or set up a monthly Standing Order, please speak to our Treasurer, Keith Morley (01829 759029) or email dreammainship@gmail.com. Giving each month through the bank (detailed above), allows the church to have a steady income, particularly during times such as the last year, when the church has been closed several times.
Thank you very much in advance for your consideration and generosity.
Alan Goodall & Hilary Clegg
Churchwardens