Last Sunday I shared a brief update on the finances of St Mungo’s, specifically highlighting the amazing way the congregation has responded to our financial situation, which Malcolm and I brought to the attention of the church in May.
Since that update in May, we have received over 150 one off gifts which total over £185,000, including gift aid. In addition to this, over 60 people/couples have increased their standing orders, which has resulted in our regular giving increasing by over 10%.
This is the most incredibly response and Vestry are both humbled and deeply grateful.
As a direct result of your one off gifts, £28,000 has now been allocated to our UK & World Mission Fund and will be used to continue our financial support of our mission partners, all of whom are working incredibly hard to meet the additional challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland across the world.
We have also been able to give £1,000 to the Life Centre Church in Beirut, a church which St Mungo’s has some personal connections with. The Life Centre Church building was severely damaged in the explosions at the start of August and the church members are also trying to meet the needs of the local community with food, shelter and medical help.
In terms of expenditure, we have continued to keep a careful eye on this and reduce it where possible. The only exception to this has been the resourcing of our online services production team where the Vestry has made a few specific investments to make sure that we have the resources we need for this strategically important part of our ministry during this season.
At our most recent meeting, the Vestry also decided to implement the delayed salary review with effect from August.
Looking ahead, the increase in regular giving in particular helps us to plan with greater confidence for the year ahead, however we are also mindful that there are many significant uncertainties for us as a church and within the wider economy, not least when and how we will be able to meet again, and the pressures within the employment market as the governments furloughing scheme comes to an end. Therefore, as always, we hugely appreciate your continued financial and prayerful support.
Katherine Burnett