Having taken stock of the whole Benefice at our two Annual Meetings, it is very clear that both St Michael’s, and the Benefice as a whole, face significant challenges. In both parishes, our expenditure outstripped our income during 2022, which is unsustainable.

At St Michael’s, there is a very specific need to see our Children and Family’s Ministry sustained and restored – and we need to re-imagine a pattern of services that will enable us all to thrive.

So, during June, in all the churches across the benefice, we are thinking about the ways in which God may be calling us to give, yes financially, but also in terms of our time, our energy and our gifts. As we do this together, may I ask you, please, to prayerfully consider any ways in which you could help?

Certainly, that includes praying through whether you may be able to join the Parish Giving Scheme for the first time – or to boost your regular giving – or make a one-off gift... But it also includes all of us, prayerfully, to consider how we can offer help in all sorts of ways that will revitalise our churches.

Could you help, for example, in any of these areas maybe just once a month? (Or anything else God might suggest!)

• The children and young people’s work
• Stewarding support as we try to add back both our contemporary and traditional services
• Helping maintain the churchyards
• Helping on the audiovisual team

We are working towards Gift Day on Sunday, 2 July and I have already challenged both myself and the PCC as to what we could offer. I really appreciate that this is indeed a 'big ask' when many people feel tired and are worried about the cost of living when they are on fixed incomes. However, I genuinely believe that God has richly provided for us across the whole benefice in terms of dedicated, gifted and talented congregations, and that as we pool our gifts and resources, we will see God’s Kingdom advancing.

Thank you for your consideration and for your prayers over these next few weeks.

With love,

Tim

If you would like to give financially, please do visit the Parish Giving Scheme, using the links below, or see our Giving page for more ways to give.

Bishops Cleeve - Parish Giving Scheme

Woolstone with Gotherington & Oxenton - Parish Giving Scheme