Who is the Church of England for?
The Church of England is there for everyone. Because it is the established church anyone who lives in the parish has a right to be married, baptised and buried in their parish church - even if they never come to church or are of another faith or denomination. Most C of E churches wouldn't want it any other way - inclusiveness is one of our most valuable hallmarks.
Who pays for the Church?
Because we are the established church, many people assume that we are supported financially by the state, paid for by taxes, like a sort of spiritual version of the NHS. This is not the case. The upkeep of the church buildings and the cost of its ministry - clergy salaries, training, pensions etc. - is paid for from donations given by church members. We need to raise £2,500 per week to keep St Mary's church going. There are more details about where the money goes, and how we raise it in our PCC annual reports.
It's not just money which churches need, however. Without committed congregations - people prepared to give their time and talents to run the upkeep the churchyard, sing in the choir, sacristy preparation for services, families ministry, parish visiting, flower arrangements, control PA and live-streaming, serve on the church council (PCC), welcome people at services, organise community groups, produce the church magazine, ring the bells... and many other tasks, the church cannot thrive as a living focus for its community.
Many people enjoy and use their local church, and expect that it will be there for them in times of need, but the reality is that the burden of supporting it financially and practically often falls on the shoulders of a few, hard-pressed people. No one wants to see their local church close for lack of support, but churches all over England face that prospect. Without the support of those who value the church, it cannot survive.
Here is how you can help financially...
Regular Giving (monthly, quarterly, annually)
Every little helps, but regular giving – Gift Aid if you pay tax – is especially welcome. You can join the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) if you would like to be a regular donor. Simply set up your giving arrangement here - Parish Giving Scheme for St Mary, Storrington
EasyFundraising - generate donations via online shopping
Did you know that whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your annual holiday – you could be raising donations for St Mary's church with Easyfundraising?
All you need to do is:
1. Go to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/parishchurchstorrington and join for free! Add the bookmark to your internet browser.
2. Then, every time you shop online with a retailer that supports Easyfundraising, you will receive a 'pop-up' that asks you to use Easyfundraising - click yes!
3. After you’ve purchased and checked out, the retailer will make a donation to Storrington Church at no extra cost to you whatsoever!
One-off Donation
There are offertory collections at all of our services. However, for one-off donations, there is a contactless card donation point at the back of church, simply select the amount you wish to donate (Gift Aid available) and tap your card. The church building is usually open during the day. Also, one-off donations are accepted by through the Parish Giving Scheme - One-off Donation
Legacies
For more information please speak to our Hon. Treasurer - details on our website or in 3 Heralds parish magazine.
Here is how you can help with your time and talents...
We need you! We need you first and foremost because you are a child of God, special to him. Just by being among us you will enrich our community. But you can help in other ways too. There are many jobs which need to be done in the church - practical, technological, outdoors, musical and spiritual. Singing, praying, cleaning, organising... there is something you can do! The church is involved in the local community too - church members, for example, serve as school governors, or are involved in other areas of village life. We need people to help us do the work God has called us to - serving others where they are. Whether your gifts are practical, musical, or spiritual, there are ways of getting involved. If you'd like to talk about what you might do, contact the Rector, our Church Wardens, or others in the church community who will be happy to discuss this with you.