Where does the money come from?
St John’s and St Mildred's receives some income externally for the use of the Church and the Centre but we rely entirely on giving to meet all the remaining costs. In fact 75% of our income is expected to come from the gifts of members of the congregation and visitors, including gift aid. Our costs include staffing, ministry expenses and materials, running and maintaining our buildings, and our contribution to the Diocese which had had to fall year on year due to the reduction in income from £72,000 to £29,000 per year.
We follow the biblical principle of tithing and give 10% of all the income we receive to support mission partners and others in doing God’s work elsewhere.
Jesus talked a lot about money and stewardship. We want to see God’s Kingdom come right here in Meopham and Nurstead. We don’t ask anyone to give more than they can afford, but we do need everyone to give generously of what they can; only then can we continue to serve God as we do, and take hold of the new opportunities he provides.
How can I give?
Donating with Gift Aid if you are a tax payer means that St John's and St Mildred's can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra but you will need to give us some extra information when you make your donation.
Parish Giving Scheme
This is a national approved scheme to give by direct debit. It relieves us of any administration needed to manage this and helps to keep your giving up to date with inflation. Gift Aid is also dealt with by the national team which saves us time and effort. It can be set up online, by phone or post. Please ask the treasurer for more information. Regular giving like this is especially helpful, as it makes our financial planning easier.
Standing Order:
For regular gifts, please complete a standing order form or set up directly with your bank. Forms are available and can be downloaded using this link or ask the respective treasurers. If using the form the bank section needs to be completed and sent direct to your bank. If you pay income tax and would like us to claim gift aid on your donation please give your name as the reference and fill in the gift aid part of the form.
You can put the form in the collection box at the back of church or hand it in to the office in an envelope.
Cash and cheques:
Please place cash in the collection plate at the respective Churches. Cheques can be made payable to Meopham Parochial Church Council or 'St Mildred's PCC'. If you aren’t sure whether we have a gift aid form from you, please check with the respective treasurers or complete an extra one and enclose it with your donation. Please remember to complete the envelope with your name, postcode and signature if gift aid can be claimed.
Legacy Giving:
You might like to consider including St John’s or St Mildred’s in your will. See www.churchlegacy.org.uk for some useful advice.
How is the money spent?
We need to find about £6850 per month for the maintenance, insurance, utility and repair and running costs for the church and centre, before any payment to the Diocese for our parish share.
For special projects, extra money must be raised.
Other useful information
St John’s registered charity number is 1133014
St John's Treasurer: Jackie Hunter. Please email jackie@stjohnsmeopham.co.uk
St John's Gift Aid Secretary: Keith Jones. Please email joneskeith2903@gmail.com
For St John's Legacy Form, please click here
For St John's How to Give Form, please click here
St Mildred's Treasurer: Hales Vaughan. Please email admin@stjohnsmeopham.co.uk
For St Mildred's Legacy Form: please click here
For St Mildred's How to Give Form: please click here