Members help Essex’s largest church bridge �25,000 budget shortfall

KIND members of Saffron Walden church have helped it to bridge a �25,000 shortfall.

Last month the St Mary’s Parish Church revealed the significant shortfall between expected expenditure and income in its 2011 budget.

However, thanks to a Stewardship of Money programme – held from February 9 to March 9 – the church’s annual income has increased by �29,000.

Rector David Tomlinson hailed it as “a wonderful response”.

“I, along with the church wardens and the entire district church council, are deeply grateful to all those who responded by praying, to those who returned their response forms and to those who give financially to sustain the work of the church,” he said.

“This outcome gives the whole of St. Mary’s Church renewed energy, impetus and confidence as we seek to share in God’s mission and ministry in Saffron Walden and beyond. Above all, thanks be to God.”

During the month-long programme there were themed prayers and services, sermons focussed on the topic of how money should be spent to further God’s work and the importance of giving as generously as possible to the church.

Letters also went to all those who belong to St Mary’s Church with a response form and prayer card – 147 forms were returned. A number of one-off donations were also made.