Kemnay Parish Church of Scotland Stewardship Season 2016
Dear friends, I find it hard to believe that one year has already passed since my wife Heather and I arrived in Kemnay. Much has happened over the last twelve months, including the January floods, as well as the so-called Brexit referendum. When we read through the news headlines on any given day, it is easy to believe that the world is spinning out of control, towards an unknown destination. But, when the world is viewed through the prism of Christian faith, everything around us takes on a different (and deeper) meaning. The Gospel teaches us that life is not made up of one long, continual series of unfortunate events; rather, all of life and all of creation is under God s control, and God is guiding everything towards the day when Jesus Christ will be all in all. Here at Kemnay Parish Church, it is easy to see the impact that the Good News of the Gospel has made on the people of our village. In ways great and small, Kemnay Kirk is continually striving to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the entire parish. However, the good work of the church does not happen by itself, especially in challenging economic times. I never cease to be amazed by the number of people who enthusiastically give of their time, talents, and finances for the continued mission of the church in our village. But, this calling is not for the select few, the call to be a part of the Body of Christ is for every Christian! Every Christian is claimed and redeemed by God! Every Christian has gifts given by the Holy Spirit to build up the church! Stewardship is the means by which God invites each of us to consider how we are being called to use those gifts to contribute to the joyful work of the church here in Kemnay. As followers of Jesus Christ, each of us is called to reflect on what our relationship with the church means to us. As Christians, each of us has responsibility to evaluate what the use of our time, talents, and money tells others about our relationship with God. Proper Christian stewardship touches on every aspect of our lives. By giving of our resources, we can all make vital contributions to the ongoing ministry of Kemnay Parish Church. I hope you will prayerfully consider being a part of this year s stewardship campaign! Blessings, Joshua Mikelson Minister The earth is the Lord s, and everything in it. Psalm 24v1
What is Stewardship? God gave us everything we have, and we are called to be good stewards of it all, and to use our time, experience, skills, learning and resources for the work of His Church in sharing the Gospel. This brochure is designed to give all members and friends a clearer understanding of the life of our Church, the work that goes on in our Church, and the ways in which giving enables the sharing of the Gospel, locally, nationally and internationally. Throughout this Stewardship Season we hope everyone will take the opportunity to review their commitment and giving, towards helping us continue God s work here in Kemnay, and maintain a centre of worship that we and others in the community can enjoy. The future of our church lies in our own hands. We have something too good not to share Just as the church supports us through life s challenges, we have a responsibility to support our church financially in whatever way we can. Check out our new website www.kemnayparish.church and please like us on Facebook!
Kemnay Kirk is A spiritual home where we take time out from our everyday lives to encounter God and hear his word for our lives.
A holy place where baptisms are celebrated, parents bring their children, couples pledge their love in marriage, and people say their last farewells to family and friends. A friendly community of Christian faith where links are established with people in this village, this country and around the world.
What we have to pay for Parish Ministries Fund 42,169 Wider Church 6,865 Miscellaneous 1,722 Salaries & Expenses 24,982 Church Admin Expenses 4,060 Building Running Costs 11,538 Total Annual Expenses: 2015: 91,336 2016 : 90,854 Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 16v17
PARISH MINISTRIES FUND Paying the full costs of our minister and contributing to the costs of the ministries elsewhere in Scotland TOTAL: 42,169 43,300 WIDER CHURCH Supporting the work of the Church of Scotland at home and abroad through education, outreach and in caring for the vulnerable in society. TOTAL: 6,865 7,049 SALARIES AND EXPENSES Church Secretary, Youth Co-coordinator, Pulpit Supply, Locum Costs, Vacancy Expenses and ministers expenses. TOTAL: 24,982 19,927 BUILDING RUNNING COSTS Heating, lighting, insurance, manse council tax and repairs. TOTAL: 11,538 11,644 CHURCH ADMIN EXPENSES Photocopier, telephone, postage, copyright licensing, accountancy fees etc. TOTAL: 4,060 5,144 MISCELLANEOUS Organ and piano maintenance, worship material, youth expenses etc. TOTAL: 1,722 3,790 TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN 2015 91,336 90,854 The figures in red show our projection for 2016
Where the money comes from Offerings 55,775 We now have online giving: (www.give.net) see the website for details. Tax Reclaimed 12,259 Donations and Miscellaneous 23,857 Total Annual Income: 91,891 82,462 OFFERINGS Includes all offerings given by Standing Order ( 33,569), Envelopes ( 16,089) and Open Plate ( 6,117). TOTAL: 55,775 54,000 TAX RECLAIMED Reimbursed by the Inland Revenue for all contributions through Gift Aid and Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme. TOTAL: 12,259 11,600 DONATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS Income from weddings, funeral donations, Bank interest, Church of Scotland Investment Fund income and interest, Endowment income and Vacancy Allowance. TOTAL: 91,891 82,462 The figures in red show our projection for 2016 Although we made a small profit of 555 in 2015, we are forecasting a deficit of over 8000 in 2016. As we now have a new minister, we do not have the vacancy allowance or vacancy expenses we had in 2015.
What happens next Giving and sharing is our grateful response to God s gifts to us. For the church to continue to offer the services it does and expand into other areas, we must prayerfully review and plan our giving. Regular, planned, proportionate giving will enable the church to continue God s work here in Kemnay. The future generation, who will enjoy their spiritual inheritance, depend on our commitment today. Did you know the Church in Kemnay does not get any financial help from the Government. All our income is given by members and friends.
How you can give Standing Order One of the easiest and most convenient ways to give is by Standing Order. It is easy to set up; the amount is set by the giver, can be changed at anytime and no account details are kept by the church. Envelopes Alternatively you can give regularly through the Freewill Weekly Offering (FWO) Envelopes. These enable you to set your offering aside regularly, even if you are unable to be in church every Sunday. Gift Aid If you are a UK Taxpayer and have signed a Gift Aid Declaration then we can reclaim an additional 25p for every 1 you give. Plate Offerings can be given anonymously every week in the offering plate. Donations Contributions to special projects, or as a one-off gift, can be placed in an envelope and given to the treasurer (don t forget to giftaid it!) Leave a Legacy In the past Kemnay Church has benefitted from various legacies kindly left by members and friends. Leaving a legacy in your will is a special way to remember your church. It is more blessed to give than receive. Acts 20v35
Having read this brochure, we give thanks for: THE PEOPLE OF THE PAST Whose faith and sacrifice gave us Christ s Church THE PEOPLE OF TODAY Whose giving, work and prayer has enabled the Church to grow THE PEOPLE OF TOMORROW Whose spiritual wealth will be the fruit of our dedication today We hope you have enjoyed reading this brochure, and that the information provided within, has given you a deeper understanding of the life and work of your church. Thank you for joining with us on this journey of faith and service. If you would like information about how to give please email: financeandstewardship@kemnaykirk.org.uk Sunday Worship is at 10am All are welcome do come along! Jesus asked, What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches. Luke 13:18-19