Dear Parishioner,

Thank you so much for your generosity during the course of the year.  Without it we would not be able to continue to operate at the heart of the Itchen Valley.

As you know, much of your giving goes to the Common Mission Fund to which all churches in the Diocese of Winchester contribute according to their potential (not according to what they themselves receive in terms of ministry support).  The Common Mission Fund covers the costs associated with our clergy and other ministers; stipends, pensions, national insurance, housing, training and discerning vocations of future mission and ministry leaders.  Please do see this presentation on the Diocesan Website: http://www.winchester.anglican.org/common-mission-fund/

The remainder of our giving goes to the very considerable expenses of running four ancient churches in the Valley.  We would like to cover all our expenses from regular giving but we are still some way off achieving this and if you have any suggestions as to how we might encourage others to be generous and regular with their giving as well, they would be very welcome!

It is also immensely helpful if you can possibly give through the Parish Giving Scheme which reduces the amount of work which has to be done by our parish bookkeeper Madeline Quest-Ritson.  Forms to complete to do this will be available at our APCM at Avington Park on Thursday 11th April 2019 and are in each of our church buildings.

I hugely appreciate your generosity, which is a great encouragement to me personally.

Thank you so much

Best wishes

Revd.  Alex Pease

Rector

Itchen Valley Parish