It costs around £150,000 a year to cover the regular costs of running the Church, including staff, day to day running costs such as heat and light, outreach and mission, general renewals and so on. In addition, there are capital costs of keeping our Listed building in good order. But we very rarely talk about money in church services, and do not take up any regular offerings.
We take great care to ensure that every penny is well-spent, and present detailed accounts each year to the church. And we also generate income from car park permits for local residents and other activities.
We encourage every church member to give regularly and generously to support the wider ministry of the church, and to do so in tax efficient ways via Gift Aid wherever possible, which boosts the value to us of every donation by 25%.
Hope House acquisition
We have invested heavily in property to prepare for the future. In 2018, we raised over £700,000 to buy back our former vicarage (onsite) which is now Hope House, a vibrant community resource as well as a base for youth, children and family ministries.
Renewal Project
In the following years we raised a further £240,000 to renew the church building including new carpet, chairs, lighting, kitchen and so on. And we have just spent a further £30,000 on new screens and sound system.
Strategy 2030
We have a vision to grow rapidly, and to reach our community more effectively. To do this we are investing heavily into ministry and mission, which will impact every area of church life – particularly evangelism, nurturing, social action, young adult ministry, aiming to become a resource to other churches. This is likely to cost at least £400,000 over the next 5 years.
Please contact David Boyd, Treasurer if you would like to give regularly to the ministry of the church, or to make a one-off donation: stjohnstreasurer@ramr.church.