Report on the 2025 accounts and the forecast for 2026
I hope that you may have had a chance to look at the Annual Report and Accounts for 2025. These accounts were examined by an independent examiner and subsequently approved by the PCC at its meeting on the 21stApril.
I would like to start by saying a big thank you to everyone who donated money to St Johns in 2025. Thanks to the income received we were able to do so many wonderful things. We were able to pay our Parish Share and the expenses of our clergy, LLMs and visiting clergy. We were able to pay our music costs – maintenance of the organ and pianos, our organists, music licences. We were able to support families, children, the bereaved, our missions. We were able to maintain our church building and offer worship and services week in and week out to young and old, regular and new attendees. And so much more. None of this would have been possible without the faithful stewardship of so many people.
There are many ways in which people donate to St Johns. Through the Parish Giving Scheme, by a regular Standing Order, by weekly numbered envelope, gift aid envelope, the open plate, card machine or by bank transfer. And if you are able to gift aid your donation, that can make an enormous difference as, for every pound donated, we can claim an extra 25p from HMRC at no extra cost to you. Every penny donated is accounted for and received with immense gratitude. If you want to know more about any of these methods of giving, please drop me an email or have a word with me at church.
In 2026 it is estimated that it will cost, on average, every week, almost £2,800 to run St Johns. At current levels our unrestricted weekly giving falls short of that figure by approximately £800. Other forms of income help to bridge the gap but last year unrestricted donations dropped by more than £10,000 compared to 2024, and our costs continue to rise. I would therefore ask all members of our congregation to prayerfully consider if they may be able to give more to our mission here at St John’s.
At the end of 2025, the church made a small surplus of just over £2,500 in our unrestricted funds. If we can increase our income during this year, it is hoped that the current forecast loss for 2026 can be avoided.
If you have any comments or questions about the church finances, please get in touch and I shall do my best to answer any queries.
Tracy Perrett
Treasurer