It is the time of year when we start to plan for 2021, including preparing our budget for Christ Church. In normal times, we would review the current year to date, and develop a stewardship campaign to support next year’s budget based on our future needs.

This year, of course, is a little different.

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has continued to give generously according to their ability throughout this year, both through regular giving and through the very welcome one-off donation that we have received to support our mission.

As you know, when the lockdown hit us in the spring, we had to carefully consider how this would affect our budgeting, especially given the reduced income from many of our usual sources. In mitigation we have made use of the government’s furlough scheme and reluctantly reduced the value of the Parish Share paid to Bristol Diocese. In this current financial year to the end of December however we are probably looking at taking about £35,000 from our reserves which is manageable for a year, but it is clearly not sustainable in the long term.

As we enter into the budget preparation for 2021, and with a likely continuing reduced income from many of our sources, we will be relying more heavily than ever on the generosity of our parishioners to meet our budget and deliver our mission, including running and staffing the PCC and the community centre.

Our message for the 2020 stewardship campaign is therefore simple: We always welcome legacies and donations at any time but increases in longer term regular giving in 2021 will help us to sustain our mission and that of the diocese into the future. Find out ways to give your financial support to the work of Christ Church

Andrew Yeoward – Treasurer

Stephen Grosvenor – Gift Aid Secretary