I am writing to members of Sacred Trinity and to friends of Sacred Trinity seeking your help. I like to think that we are a wonderful church community building each other up, serving God and being a vibrant community hub at the heart of our City. Just last week someone was telling me how every time she has visited us she has felt welcomed and has been impressed by the warmth and vibrancy of our church. This makes me very happy but we face big challenges. Our tower is nearly 400 years old and the rest of the building is over 250. We have recently had to have two electrical problems fixed and a plumbing issue dealt with. These cost money but have to be done. Our gas and electric bills are horrendous as we had to renew contracts when the market was very volatile and are on cripplingly high rates which we can’t get out of until 31st October. To run the church in 2023 (the 2024 accounts are currently being worked on) cost £3,951 per month. Prices have been going up considerably and it will now be much nearer to £5,000 per month. This is a challenging amount for a small church to raise. We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of historic resources managed by the Booth Trustees, that pay some of our costs and we raise some money through gigs and rentals but we still have to raise a lot of money ourselves. We are confident though that you and others value what we do and what we are and will help us to raise this money. The most helpful way is to give by Standing order so that it is a regular commitment. We have people making regular donations ranging from £30 per month to £250 per month and understand that everybody’s situation is different. If you don’t give by standing order please consider starting one and if you already have one, would you consider increasing it? If you pay income tax and fill out a gift aid form we can also claim another 25% from the government. 

The bible encourages us to give generously in gratitude for all that we have received from God. We are encouraged to give 10% of our income. the Church of England suggests that after tax we could give 5% to our local church and 5% to other charities.

Psalm 112:5

Good will come to those who are generous and give freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.

Proverbs 11:25

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

If we are able to increase our income we will be able to open our doors more and serve our community more effectively. Will you help us? Below are some further ideas of ways in which you can help.

Yours Sincerely

Rev Canon Andy Salmon

Ways in which you could help:

• Take out a Standing Order to Sacred Trinity PCC (The Co-Operative Bank, Sort code 08-92-99, account 65201608)
• Fill out a Gift Aid form (if you pay income tax). Ask me for the form.
• If you use cash, take a gift box to collect loose change for church
• Make a one-off donation to help us celebrate our 390th birthday in May
• Put us in touch with anyone who wants to rent a parking space during the day. We used to rent out several spaces to people working in the City Centre. We can’t rent to residents as they would want them at the same time as us.
• Help us at our income generating events such as gigs
• Volunteer to help us open the church at additional times eg Wednesday afternoons
• Help with church maintenance, especially if you have particular skills