You may have noticed that the townhouses across the railway line from St Paul’s are now complete. More and more residents are moving in. We thought that we should welcome our Harewood Road neighbours. After all, they will be the closest residents and will hear the bells of St Paul’s more than many others. Of course we want to invite them to church, but also to welcome them more generally to this place. Therefore, we will be inviting them to an afternoon tea on Sunday, the 18th of August 2024, at 3pm in the church. We hope to also have tours of the bell tower and the church and some organ playing. Help with that would be welcome, including bringing something for afternoon tea. We’ve got no idea how many will come, but let’s be prepared for a good number. For more information, speak to Tim or Liz.
Blessings – Tim
Part 2 – St Paul’s Financial News
| Last Month June 2024 | 2024 so far | |
| Cash loss | $1307 | $15,390 |
| Budgeted loss | $32,800 |
Budget Notes:
These figures are taken from our last monthly Vestry meeting where we are presented with a full financial report.
Our aim is to have offertories cover our expenses on wages, mission donations, and our Diocesan Quota, but we are often behind with these and top them up with our reserves.
Our parish is performing ahead of our conservative budget. The expenses are tracking well, and our income is performing ahead of budget.. This is mainly due to generous offertory donations and solid hall hires. While this is pleasing, our capital investments are still reducing steadily.
Of note are the contributions from the EJ Price Trust and a bequest from Brian Stedman who had links with St Paul’s in earlier days.
A large tree behind the tennis courts was felled recently and its cost was covered by a couple of special donations and the sale of the firewood.
Last year we received a grant from the Journey to Jesus fund to enable us to employ a children and families worker. We can start to use this now with the employment of Emma Cooper.
Capital Investments
Our main investment account now has a balance of $84,000, with another $20,000 to draw down later this year. Realistically we should then leave the balance of $60,000 to be used for any expenses incurred in selling the tennis court land this year.
- This means that any capital expenditure from now should be matched with fundraising income.
- As a parish we may have to find approx. $50,000 extra per year for 2025 and onwards until the tennis court land is finally sold. If anybody has any legal ideas for this then please step forward.
Hank van Til – Parish Treasurer