When the world and ourselves are facing such a catastrophic pandemic such as COVID19, it seems strange to be composing this post tonight. I suppose that it's another part of our ministry that needs to considered and addressed.
Even though the world is upside down at the moment (or right-side up perhaps), there are still bills to pay, and obligations to meet. I've had some contact recently from concerned parishioners about their weekly giving and offerings - and that they haven't had the opportunity to bring them to church during this period of isolation.
Let me be very clear about this first!!
YOUR SAFETY AND LIFE IS MORE VALUABLE TO GOD AND TO OUR PARISH FAMILY THAN YOUR MONEY!! DO NOT CONSIDER PUTTING YOURSELVES IN ANY DANGER OR RISK DURING THIS TIME!!
I hope that makes my first point very clear. Our church treasurer and his assistant are still able to take your offerings and envelopes, but you will need to make us aware that you have some to give. Perhaps you could drop it through either Albert's or Frances' letterboxes, or bring them to the rectory and I will ensure that they get to the relevant people. If you can't get there yourself, perhaps ask a neighbour or friend to collect them if they have some to deliver. I'm sure that David and Nuala would be very pleased to help if you're about the village, and there are plenty of willing volunteers on the Select Vestry.
The alternative, even in the short-term is to set up a Standing Order from your bank account to the Church account, which takes all the risk out of the situation. A few people already pay monthly using this means, and it still counts towards your own collection total in the church report - every penny is attributed to the correct people. If you'd like to consider this option, you should contact our treasurer, Albert - or call the rectory and I'll give you some useful advice on how to proceed (probably by giving you Albert's number!!).
At the end of the day, our world is changed beyond all recognition at the moment, and everyone's work and finances are all over the place - so this is not a plea for money for the church, but simply advice that I've given to the few parishioners that have contacted me about it.
Please continue to take care of yourselves, keep yourselves safe, and may God continue to richly bless you all during this difficult time.
Rector
Even though the world is upside down at the moment (or right-side up perhaps), there are still bills to pay, and obligations to meet. I've had some contact recently from concerned parishioners about their weekly giving and offerings - and that they haven't had the opportunity to bring them to church during this period of isolation.
Let me be very clear about this first!!
YOUR SAFETY AND LIFE IS MORE VALUABLE TO GOD AND TO OUR PARISH FAMILY THAN YOUR MONEY!! DO NOT CONSIDER PUTTING YOURSELVES IN ANY DANGER OR RISK DURING THIS TIME!!
I hope that makes my first point very clear. Our church treasurer and his assistant are still able to take your offerings and envelopes, but you will need to make us aware that you have some to give. Perhaps you could drop it through either Albert's or Frances' letterboxes, or bring them to the rectory and I will ensure that they get to the relevant people. If you can't get there yourself, perhaps ask a neighbour or friend to collect them if they have some to deliver. I'm sure that David and Nuala would be very pleased to help if you're about the village, and there are plenty of willing volunteers on the Select Vestry.
The alternative, even in the short-term is to set up a Standing Order from your bank account to the Church account, which takes all the risk out of the situation. A few people already pay monthly using this means, and it still counts towards your own collection total in the church report - every penny is attributed to the correct people. If you'd like to consider this option, you should contact our treasurer, Albert - or call the rectory and I'll give you some useful advice on how to proceed (probably by giving you Albert's number!!).
At the end of the day, our world is changed beyond all recognition at the moment, and everyone's work and finances are all over the place - so this is not a plea for money for the church, but simply advice that I've given to the few parishioners that have contacted me about it.
Please continue to take care of yourselves, keep yourselves safe, and may God continue to richly bless you all during this difficult time.
Rector
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