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PCC MISSION POLICY
The Church is called to be a sign and instrument of God’s Kingdom. Mary, to whom this church is dedicated, spoke of God’s Kingdom in the Magnificat when she said that God has “lifted up the lowly and filled the hungry with good things”. We are here to make a difference. The Mission Fund, under the oversight of the Charities Committee, plays a vital part in this Church’s response to its calling.
All of our giving will be to organisations that reflect Christian values and meet some or all of the following criteria:
- Evidence that the chosen charity is effective.
- Continuity of funding in order to build relationships.
- Reflect views of the congregation.
- Reflect congregation members’ direct involvement in charities.
- Christian organisations.
- Balance of local, national & international charities.
The PCC commits to transfer 10% of unrestricted funds (defined as Church Collections, General Donations and Committed Gifts to the General Fund plus the tax recovered from them) to the Mission Fund. The budget for each year is based on such General Fund giving in the previous year. During the budget process the Charity Committee recommends to the PCC the allocation of these funds between:
- A Mission of the Month for charities recommended by the Charities Committee – the congregation is invited to add to the PCC contribution through magazine articles, pew sheet announcements and other communications as appropriate.
- A discretionary fund for the Vicar’s use.
- A fund for allocation by the PCC for issues arising during the year.
In addition we fundraise for the Mission Fund by:
- Having an annual Harvest Appeal for a charity recommended by the Charities Committee. The Charities Committee observes a commitment to building a long term relationship with the chosen charity which is supported by the Harvest Appeal funds.
- Using specific services to fundraise for mission including:
- Confirmation collections (for the Bishop’s Outreach Fund),
- Carol service collections,
- Christingle collections (for The Children’s Society).
- Holding fundraising events to support local charities in the parish.
- Fundraising for Christian Aid through House to house collections in the parish for Christian Aid Week.
- Monthly hunger lunches hosted by parishioners.
- Fundraising for specific ad hoc appeals, normally for emergency relief.
March 2008