Giving and finance

Where the money goes...

Our largest category of expenditure is salaries and expenses. Christ Church directly employs three staff: our Youth worker, Administrator and Caretaker.

Our vicar, Geoff, has his salary and housing costs paid from a diocesan fund into which all parishes contribute according to their means. Our payment into this fund (the "quota") is determined each year by the Diocese of Birmingham.

A proportion of our income - roughly 10% of donations to the General fund - is given in support of individuals and partner organisations around the world.

Utility costs are relatively low - an advantage of having a new, modern building.

The cost of our building, which opened in 2008, was fully met by the end of 2012, some 20 years earlier than expected. The Building Fund, through which over a million pounds passed during its lifetime, was closed in 2013.

...and where the money comes from

We receive some rental income from outside organisations and individuals who use our building for regular and one-off events.

But... the overwhelming majority of our income is from regular personal donations made by church members, supplemented by Gift Aid. Most people donate by standing order or through an envelope scheme.

A collection is taken up during morning services. We don't ask or expect visitors to contribute.