The 2024 financial figures for St. Andrew’s Church have been calculated.

Although we are pleased to have reduced the yearly deficit by nearly £3000, we are still operating at a loss of just under £1200 per month. If this continues, we will deplete all our funds in less than two years. As you can see, almost half our expenditure goes to the Central Church and Presbytery. We have no control over these amounts as they are set by standard formulae agreed by the General Assembly and Presbytery. The remainder of our expenses are carefully managed, trying to spend only on essentials and constantly looking for ways to reduce costs. We have also looked carefully at ways of increasing our income: letting our halls as much as we can, reviewing letting costs, and beginning to charge for using the carpark. Even with all these measures, the likelihood is that we will still be operating at a deficit in 2025. Research in the wider church shows that the most successful way a church can avoid financial difficulties is for its members to increase their regular giving. Last year, we received £74,406.60 in voluntary donations, which includes £11,062.26 in reclaimed tax through the ‘Gift Aid’ scheme, for which we should all be very grateful.

Sadly, this generosity is not enough to meet our needs. Ideally it would take a 20% increase in donations to put us back on an even keel. We know that times are hard and everyone is looking to save money where they can, but the reality is St. Andrew’s Church will run out of money before too long unless its members give more. If you pay tax, we can claim an extra 25% from H.M.R.C. through the ‘Gift Aid’ scheme if you complete a ‘Gift Aid’ form available from the Church Office, please do so if you have not already. Thank you for taking time to read this message. We ask only that you reflect prayerfully on these facts before, if possible, consider extending your generosity.