This year’s Committee has changed only slightly from the previous year, with Malcolm White replacing Jason Gubb and joining Margot Cage, Mary Howard, Steve Poulter, John Simpkin and Christine Tew.
As suggested in last year’s report, the PCC has been able to restore the Tithing budget to the level of a few years ago (roughly 10% of the overall budget, excluding our Parish Share) and in consequence the Committee has met more often and has been able to propose more payments than for some time.
As in the past, the Committee seeks to benefit people and organisations locally, nationally and worldwide, although there is no rigid plan and the Committee makes recommendations to the PCC on the merit of each individual proposal. Although the Committee members have ideas of their own, and receive some requests direct, they very much welcome them from members of the congregation also – do please speak to any of the Committee or PCC.
In the last year, people and organisations to benefit include Stort Valley Schools Trust, All Nations Christian College, Acorn House (Addenbrooke’s Hospital), John Groom’s, a local family in need, Scout Association (to assist with transport costs from abroad to the Jamboree last year), People International, Jajja’s Home, Bishop Woodford Retreat House, Chapter and Verse Bookshop, Thorley Rainbows, Crisis, New Wine and Bishops Stortford YMCA. Some of these may be unknown to some members of the congregation and we would be happy to explain the background to anyone wanting more information.
John Simpkin