St Mary the Virgin and All Saints, Potters Bar - About Us

Finance

Preliminary figures from the 2004 accounts show:
Income:
£58,383 including Planned Giving of £28,143 and Tax reclaim of £6,877

Expenditure:
£64,586 including Parish Share of £37,429 (rising to £40,089 in 2005)

We expect to close this deficit in 2005 with the full impact of the 2004 Commitment Sunday pledges, the increased amount claimed back from the Inland Revenue and the prospect of a steady rental income from 11 Otways Close.

Clergy expenses are met in full.

Capital assets:
Church and its furnishings, and the church hall

11 Otways Close (approximate value - £250,000)

Reserves:
£120,000 (at the bank and in the Central Board of Finance deposit fund)
£113,000 (Central Board of Finance investment)

However, most of the £120,000 reserves will be used to finance the church repairs, the work on the disabled toilet facilities and the external work to the church hall.

Visions and Priorities for the Future

These are shared by the Incumbent and the PCC. Our Mission Statement is:

to bring people to Christ through our work and witness at St Mary’s,
using our faith, care, skills and time

In the last five years, the congregation at St Mary’s has changed considerably, with the death of many of our faithful members. However, congregation numbers remain encouragingly steady and the age range of our members is now much broader. This gives plenty of hope for the future. We now see our priorities over the next few years to be:

·	building on our traditions of prayer and the sacraments, worship and liturgy, preaching and teaching – and introducing new people to this rich heritage

·	extending work with schools, children and families, with a particular focus on the monthly Family Communion service

·	continuing the strong emphasis on the pastoral care of church members and parishioners

·	building on our reputation for being welcoming, friendly and hospitable

·	developing the spiritual lives and gifts of individuals

·	securing a sound long-term financial base

·	raising funds to upgrade the church hall as a facility for the local community