supporting
st mary’s
Launching our new ‘Give a Little’ page. You can now give online using your
Debit or Credit Card, we are also able to claim Gift Aid from your donation.
Just click here to DONATE, thank you.
For the all the ways to financially support St Mary’s see further down this page.
A personal message from Fr Rod…
I have had the privilege of being the Vicar here in Bocking for nearly 6 years now. In that time, I have worked hard, with the support of others, to build on all that has already been achieved. A big part of moving things forward was to look outward, and to play an even bigger part in the community. While there is more to do, I think we have really made progress.
In my time, we have created Messy Church and worked with a neighbouring parish on Messy Church on the Glebe, we now have the church open (outside of Covid 19) every day as it is your church, the community’s church. We have had family fun days with the Circus and with Bocking by the Sea, Bake Off events, concerts, film nights, quizzes, and more. We have more services through the week and resources to support you in your faith. This list isn’t a well done us, or a pat on the back, but just a quick run through of some of the extra things we have taken on in my time, alongside being there for you, each and every day.
It is for this reason that I want to share where we are as a church in the light of Covid 19 with you. Like so many charities, organisations, and individuals, everything changed with lockdown. While the church building has been closed, I have still sought to support and reach out to the parish, as well as putting resources online including our services. In many ways, we are reaching even more people now.
However, our finances, like so many, have really taken a hit. The lack of Sunday collections, the lack of weddings and the cancellation of some of our biggest fundraising and community events mean things are tough. The congregation have rallied, and we are being extremely careful in how we spend what money we do have but the reality is many of our outgoings are still going, but the income has disappeared.
While we seek to be faithful that all will be well, we are keen to try new things to raise funds. Hence our new online giving page, the link to which is below. If you can support us financially with a donation it would make such a difference, you don't need to set up a bank transfer but simply use your debit or credit card. You can choose from the suggested gift amounts or set your own, but all donations will be incredibly appreciated. I know what high regard people hold St Mary’s in, not least with our historical and spiritual links to the village.
Some will question why we are doing this, and say surely we have lots of money. To be entirely frank, yes we do have some reserves but they are already set aside for a possible future project. The rest of our funds allow us to just finish the year in the black, so you can imagine that the loss of over £10,000 in charitable giving due to Covid will leave a sizeable dent in our funds. It would be wrong then as the Vicar to pretend all was fine, and it would do an injustice to the congregation and wider village, hence why I have shared this message and set up our funding page.
My apologies for this very long message and well done if you made it to the end! The bottom line is that like so many these are tough times, and especially financially. If you are able to support, whatever amount you can give, I really would be so grateful.
With every blessing, Rod
Just click here to DONATE, thank you
Just click here to DONATE, thank you
If would like to make a one off, or regular standing order then the church account details are below.
You can phone, go into a branch or do this online.
Acc name - St Mary's Bocking PCC'
Sort code - 20-97-40
Acc Number - 00790230
Alternatively, you may wish to make a donation by cheque (made payable to 'St Mary's Bocking PCC') or cash. These can sent c/o The Very Revd Rod Reid to The Parish Office, Church St, Bocking, CM7 5JY