St Mary’s Advent and Christmas AppealsThe appeal for the Democratic Republic of Congo raised £90 in cash plus unknown individual donations made directly to Christian Aid. The Christingle and Crib Service collections enabled St Mary’s to send £307 -13 to the Children’s Society. Overall, our giving the Mission, Evangelism and Local Charities for 2025 raised £1,643 – 63.Mike Sargent, Hon Treasurer
The chosen theme is ‘There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called’ (Ephesians 4.4). The prayers and reflections were prepared by the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with their brothers and sisters of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches.https://ctbi.org.uk/resources/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2026/Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Daily SessionsSunday 18 January 12noon St Mary’s Church, GillinghamMonday 19 January 12noon St Simon & St Jude, Milton on StourTuesday 20 January 12noon Vicarage School Room, GillinghamWednesday 21 January 12noon St Benedict’s Church, GillinghamThursday 22 January 12noon St Simon & St Jude, Milton on StourFriday 23 January 12noon St Benedict’s Church, GillinghamSunday 25 January 6:00pm St Benedict’s Church, Gillingham (Main Service)
Balancing the booksAs we approach year-end the pressure gathers pace to ensure that the accounts balance and the books are in order. Once the Treasurer is satisfied that all is OK, they go to PCC for approval ‘subject to inspection’. As our income is below £250,000 our ‘receipts and payments accounts’ are inspected (accounts exceeding £250,000 must be on an accrual basis and audited). Once inspection approval is obtained then ‘Returns’ to Deanery, Diocese and the Charities Commission must be made and finally these accounts will be presented to the Annual Parochial Church Council meeting. And then it all starts again for 2026!Mike Sargent, Hon Treasurer
