From The Treasurer - Revd Paul Jones

The Guild Treasurer writes...

'Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.' (Matt 6 v28).

In many ways a strange verse to pick to begin an article about the Guild's money. Yet I find these thoughts so hopeful that we need not worry unduly and that grace and well being and beauty and our welfare are gifts from God. That is a good context to look at the Guild's finances as it reminds us that we are entrusted in hope to do the Lord's work in respect of the dying, the bereaved and the souls of the departed. Like all charities the Guild's income has been affected by the economic downturn and especially the collapse in interest rates and the decline in dividend payments. The Guild Council has therefore looked closely and carefully at all our expenditure and made adjustments were appropriate. It is also necessary to examine our income and the Council has decided to increase life membership from £10 to £20. No one could remember when the fee was raised to £10 so the rumour that it was when Noah was a lad may well be true! In addition the Council would like to encourage our members to:

• Give regularly by way of a Bank Standing order - a little given regularly whether monthly quarterly or annual makes all the difference. Standing order forms and gift aid forms can be found on the Guild's website or obtained via the General Secretary. I would like to thank those who are presently regularly givers.
   

• " Please remember the Guild in your will. Historically this has been where the bulk of the Guild's money has been derived and this is quite appropriate considering the Guild's object of praying for the departed.
  
  We are all called to be responsible with money and good stewards of God's resources and to be generous with our good talents and good fortune, in the context that God does provide and provides bounteously.
  
  Fr Paul Jones