A BIG thank you!

Association giving to Home Mission up 6%

Total given was over £350,000

Thank you for this tremendous effort in the current difficult economic conditions!

Nationally giving to Home Mission down 1.2%

Total giving was just over £4m*

This is as expected but the financial pressures remain and there will still be a significant deficit for 2011.

The increased giving within HEBA will help in financing the work of the Association and will help ensure that grants can continue to the 28 churches and chaplaincies supported by Home Mission in our Association.  Around 80% of Home Mission giving from the Association is used in this way.

As we enter 2012 I am conscious of the combination of the ongoing tough economic climate and the impact of increased pension costs hitting many churches.  I trust you will have the Spirit and willingness which Paul encourages the Corinthians to have:

“Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.  Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.  For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what someone does not have.”  2 Cor 8:10 - 12

A good number of churches are now giving at least 5% to Home Mission and I hope that more will be able to adopt this target for 2012.

John Levick

Association Treasurer

* Subject to final audit