People Power Prayer Power Pound Power As we move forward into 2022 we give thanks for God’s ongoing care and protection despite all the challenges we face in the world, as a church and as individuals. As a church, although there have been few deaths from Covid-19, many have felt the strain of the pandemic and, of course, we are all nearly 2 years older. Worship, administration and fellowship have had to adapt but we looking to open up more areas of church life. The church is the ‘body of Christ’ and like every cell in the human body we all have a part to play. So, as we go forward, we need to draw upon the power of God as people, through prayer and through wise stewardship and generous giving. Below and overleaf are just a few ways in which you may be able to exercise ministry as a member of St Laurence Church in areas where we feel able to ‘rebuild’ at the moment. Please continue to pray for St Laurence Church. Lord, we thank you for past generations who have built and preserved St Laurence Church. Grant us unity in your vision of how it should be renewed to continue to witness to your saving love. Grant us, too, the patient courage to take forward your vision; we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen Could you help enable our worship? More volunteers will help us return to 2 services Sidesperson Sunday 8.30am 9.30/10am Wednesday 10am Reader Sunday 8.30am 9.30/10am Wednesday 10am Intercessor Sunday 8.30am 9.30/10am Server * Sunday 8.30am 9.30/10am Wednesday 10am * just some of this role is currently possible Technical Support Sunday 9.30/10am From home including Zoom Serving Coffee after the Service on Sundays on a rota Keeping the Church Open Saturdays 10-11.30am on a rota All Year March – December only St Laurence, like all CofE churches, is funded by those who come each week, those who hire the building and those who invite us to be involved with their weddings or funerals. Every church has a responsibility to pay in to a central pot (called the ‘Common Fund’) which in turn is used to pay clergy, maintain vicarages, provide ongoing training and support. Then there are the usual household bills ; electricity, gas, insurance, printing and photocopying charges. It costs just over £10,000 a month to keep us going – and that’s excluding major repairs! Regular giving, whether weekly, monthly or annually, really helps us to plan and manage our finances – knowing what’s coming in each month helps us to pay our bills promptly and plan for the future. We are very grateful to all who bring ‘£ power’ to St Laurence Church. People’s capacity to give varies a lot according to their circumstances which is why the Church of England suggests giving 5% of one’s income so there is no shame in having to decrease it when income drops. Some may be quite shocked to see the suggestion of 5% and it could be totally beyond your means especially with the ongoing fuel bill hikes! We do understand and we can also assure you that your giving remains confidential to our Treasurer and our Administrator. The ministers certainly don’t know what any individual gives. We are asking you to think and pray about your financial giving to the church and to review both the amount you give and the way in which you give it. Even if you can’t raise your giving or need to amend it downwards there are still ways in which you can help with ‘£ power’: * If you are not giving on a regular basis please consider doing so. * Please do have a look a the yellow leaflet in this pack which introduces you to the Parish Giving Scheme which is a new and even more efficient way of giving. We believe that this new scheme will help make this process a lot easier – both for you and for our Treasurer! * Also, join our EasyFundraising scheme if you shop on-line and encourage your friends and family to do so too. So far 17 people have joined and have collectively raised £90.90 at no cost to themselves. Sign up at www.easyfundraising.org.uk and select St Laurence Church Northfield as your nominated charity. Whether you’re buying a bed from Argos, bedding from Dunelm, or bedding plants from Thompson & Morgan (or the other 3,300 retailers), every donation helps towards the mission, ministry and upkeep of our church. * Remember St Laurence Church in your will. The new lighting scheme is being funding from legacy giving! Could you serve on a PCC sub-committee? In the past these have met about 3 times a year at a time to suit the committee Fabric Social and Fundraising Green issues Could you help with Ministry with Children/Young People? on a rota Stay and Play Monday 9-11 (approx.) Making coffee, setting up/clearing up, being friendly Sunday School 8.30am 9.30/10am Larry’s After School Club for 11-16’s Thursdays 3.15 - 5.30pm Name ……………………………………. Please return to “PP PP PP” St Laurence Church/Pastoral Centre 173 Church Road, Northfield, B31 2LX Registered Charity 1132975