I wanted to take this opportunity to update you about our finances. I know some of you pay close attention to our figures at APCM, however some of us don’t know as much. The reality is that St Hilda’s has been running on a deficit budget for several years now, and become increasing dependent on reserves, which are now declining. Despite cutting costs wherever we can, including not employing a Director of Music, Administrator or Children’s worker, we have still been operating on a deficit of around £10,000 a year. We cannot carry on forever this way.

Thank you to all of you who give financially and for your time and skills. I am aware everything is going up in price and many of us continue to give under increasingly stretched budgets.

Every donation, however big or small, really helps. Our gifts enable the church’s mission and ministry to continue.

If you don’t currently contribute to the mission and ministry of St Hilda’s financially and/or and regularly would like to please speak to our treasurer Simone Abbott, who will also give you a Gift Aid form if you are eligible. Gift Aid really helps make donations go further and regular giving helps us budget and plan.

Most importantly, can I ask us all to pray about the church’s finances. God know our needs, hear our prayers, and is our constant companion through these challenges.

Thank you, Rev’d Jenni Crewes.