St Andrew's Church, Fundraising Initiative

 

Annual Gift Day
Friday 18th September 2009

 

Thanks to people’s generous support the Parish Church here in Holt continues to remain open as a place of public worship and private prayer.  Open every day the church draws in a growing number of people seeking a quiet peaceful place in which to sit, think and pray as well as welcoming a number of visitors who come just to look.  I was also very pleased to be able to offer the church as a concert venue for the Holt Festival and make the church accessible to a wider group of people.

For whatever reason people find themselves in St Andrews the fact that it remains open and is so lovingly cared for is a testimony to the generosity of those who continue to support it.  Currently it costs nearly £2000 per week to maintain the church’s presence in Holt. A large proportion of that cost includes the “parish share” which we pay to the diocese. This pays for not only the ministry of the church in Holt but also helps maintain a clergy presence in parishes that cannot afford to meet the costs themselves. 

Like any other organisation or household we also have to fund our day-to-day running costs of gas and electricity, insurance, and general maintenance.  As no doubt you are well aware these costs go in only direction and that is up!  Like most people in the present economic climate who have seen a reduction in their income, we are trying make our money go further by making savings where necessary. But when maintaining a 14th/15th century grade 2 listed building our resources don’t go too far.

So, once again as we prepare for our annual gift day I invite the people of the parish to support the work of the church in Holt and give as generously as you can. Whether you are someone who attends church weekly, monthly, once or twice a year or else someone who calls upon our services at important moments in your lives, such as baptisms, weddings and funerals, the church is here for you and your support is very much appreciated.  It certainly helps when as many people as possible share the cost of maintaining the church.

Even if you have no allegiance to the church but are sympathetic to what it stands for and are concerned with maintaining the Christian heritage of our country your help and support is also greatly valued.  Even though the Church of England remains the established Church of this country we receive no direct financial help from the state other than the tax we can claim back on donations that are gift aided.

I hope many of you in the parish will feel able to give something to the church this year. No matter how large or small your donation is gratefully received and appreciated. The enclosed leaflet spells out the situation in more detail and explains how, using the gift aid envelope, you can give on the day at various places in the town or else send your gift c/o of the Rectory. .  If you are a UK taxpayer please remember to sign the envelope, it will cost you nothing extra and means we can claim the tax back on your donation.

In anticipation of your generosity – thank you!

Every blessing                                                      Fr. Howard