Finances

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is responsible for our financial affairs, seeking to manage matters so that St Mary’s remains viable, and complies with fiscal regulations and our own ethical commitments. The financial officer of the PCC is the honorary treasurer, Geoff Heath (01270 878284 g.heath@mngt.keele.ac.uk).

Following a recent appeal the planned giving has risen, and is expected to reach £38500 in 2012. With collections and gift aid, this will bring our congregational income to about £50000. This is still some £4000 short of the parish share. We are budgeting for a loss in 2012 of just under £25000.

The policy at St Mary's is that the costs of ministry and maintenance should be met by congregational giving, fees income and collections. Any fund-raising activity, then, can be for the benefit of causes outside the church, who receive no guaranteed donations from us. Amongst those who have recently benefitted are Christian Aid disaster funds, The Children's Society and the USPG St Francis Hospital in Katete, Zambia.

Administered through our Open Door Project, we offer our facilities free of charge to charities who want to use them for fund-raising activities.

If you would like to become a regular contributor to St Mary's, please contact the treasurer (see above) or the Giving Secretary, Margaret Snowdon (01270 873504 margaret@casaram.demon.co.uk). The preferred method is by direct transfer through a standing order.