St Mary Magdalene Finances Total annual running cost £42,000 and this doesn't include repairs and maintenance How is this made up and who pays for it? All parishes pay an annual amount to their Diocese known as the Parish Share which mainly pays for the provision of existing and future clergy. There has been a steep rise in Parish Share in recent years brought about largely by increasing provision towards clergy pensions. For St. Mary's this now means an annual cost of £37,000 (2004 figure). Annual insurance for the church building and contents costs over £3,000 a year heating and lighting etc. costs about £1,700 a year. In 2002 church building maintenance and repair costs were over £8,800. Without generous donations by those inside and outside the congregation, we would not be able to continue paying our way. In recent years income received at St Mary's fell short of the expenditure on running costs. This shortfall was £4,000 in 2001 and £3,000 in 2002. Fortunately, in 2003 donations increased by 10% and we managed once again to pay our way. To ensure that St. Mary's can continue to pay its way a similar increase in giving will be needed in 2004. Please contact the Treasurer or the Rector if you would like further information on giving. Tax-efficient donations: For every £10 donated by a taxpayer to our church we can claim an additional £2.80 tax back from the Inland Revenue, provided a Gift Aid declaration form has been filled in by the donor. In 2003 tax refunds realised £6,800 for St. Mary's making a substantial contribution to the church's running costs at no extra cost to donors. Forms and information on Gift Aid are available on the notice board inside the church. If you wish to make regular donations to St Mary Magdalene Church this can be done via a bank Standing Order or by using the weekly Offertory Envelopes.