Every Parish is expected to contribute a calculated proportion of its income, known as the 'Parish Share', to the Diocese each year and this, together with the responsibility of maintaining three church buildings puts a heavy burden on the parish in terms of maintenance and repair work, so we also have to raise what are known as 'restricted' funds (money put aside especially for particular restoration work, as in the case of the medieval Jesse Window in St Mary's church, or the Apse Paintings in St James's church, for example). This means we are always in the process of raising money by various means throughout the year.  Some of this money comes from investments and income from fees and lettings of the church hall, but a large proportion of the parish income has to come from the people of the parish, by way of planned giving and donations. We can (and do) claim back the Income Tax on planned giving donations, and we are VAT registered, which enables us to claim some VAT money back each year, but making the money stretch to cover the Parish Share and ongoing maintenance expenses each year is always something of a struggle.

The income & costs of the Parish in 2005 excluding restoration were:-
INCOME £ 118,119
EXPENDITURE £ 126,374
DEFICIT £ 8,255
With inflation, unless income improves the deficit in 2006 will increase to £17,200. This means there will be a weekly shortfall of
£330. Last year planned giving including income tax recovered & open plate was a commendable £96,000. However if the Parish is to cover its costs for 2006, the average increase needed is almost 20%,  just to stand still! 

If we are to continue God's will in Morpeth , then we cannot afford to do nothing or leave it to someone else. Individually & jointly we can make a difference.

How you can help:-

• Give regularly
• Use the planned giving scheme by either envelope or standing order
• If a taxpayer use the Gift Aid scheme, giving 28% extra income at no extra cost to you

But money isn’t everything.

You could also think about ways to give of your time, talents & energy, looking at ways in which you can contribute to the life and growth of the church - you might take on a new job or change the one you do now.
• Welcome people to church
• Help in home visiting or help with home communions & other services
• Be a listening ear
• Help develop worship & ministry
• Make music - singing or in a band
• Support the young people in church
• Contribute to peoples’ journey in faith, through prayer, study c& teaching groups
• Offer practical help & skills, DIY, gardening, flowers, cleaning, lifts to church 
• Join PCC, Synod or become a sidesperson
• Offer to read lessons & lead intercessions

Your ideas are important, so that we can develop worship & grow in faith, finding new ways of using the spaces and resources we have and planning the future of mission and ministry in Morpeth. To love as God loves us.

If you would like to know more about the Planned Giving scheme or about how Gift Aid works, you can talk to any of the following people:

Parish Treasurer Geoff Harris (515579)
Planned Giving Ralph or Ann Lowe (514146)
Gift Aid Barbara Wheeler (519664)