Today at our 10 o'clock Eucharist we gave thanks for our Church and thought about how we can maintain it for future generations. Father Roger was with us this week, and instead of the sermon we had a very interesting presentation from our Treasurer Mike Fowler. I think we were all surprised to discover the cost of running St Mary's month by month, and in addition the repairs that we have to make to our beautiful but very ancient building. Mike introduced us to the new parish giving scheme being set up by Chichester Diocese, which will greatly help in terms of efficiency in collecting and recovering Gift Aid. The money is collected by Direct Debit, the gift aid is recovered and it is all in the Church account within 10 days!! Quite an achievement. Mike urged all who can to change to this system as soon as the forms are available. While this change is going on, perhaps we can think about how much we give, if every one could manage £3:75 a week more, the church would be in a much healthier position!!!   Many thanks to Mike for this excellent and thought provoking talk!
The Choir sang Tantum Ergo in the Setting by Vierne, and there was coffee after the service. A lovely sunny September morning greeted us as we left.

Our Beautiful Church