The rector writes

Dear sisters and brothers,

As we approach Generous Giving Sunday it is important for us to celebrate and give
thanks for all the generosity we see in the life of the parish. Each and every day we see
God's love shine into Haywards Heath through all the time, talents and resources which
we generously give in joyful service. We see God's kingdom breaking in the world through
our worship, music, outreach, social groups, study groups,, in school, and in many other
ways. We see God at work through the generous giving of ourselves as part of the Body of
Christ active in the world.

In the words of Teresa of Avila, a sixteenth century mystic:

Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

In these words we find our inspiration, but also challenge. It is vital for us to remember
that the future of our parish is in our hands. Each one of us have our part to play in the
Body of Christ, we all have a vocation and ministry to which we are called, whether that is
through our labours, our prayers, or through our financial resources.

The stark truth for us is that we as a parish are living beyond our means. In 2024 we
finished with a deficit of almost £13,000 once we remove fundraising for the vestry
refurbishment, and we have budgeted for a £20,000 deficit this year. What expendable
resources we have will soon be depleted if we continue on this course. It is up to each and
every one of us to be generous to sustain and grow the future of the parish.

Based on the current electoral roll planned giving in the parish is currently £8.91 per week
per person. This is compared to the average person within the Diocese giving £18.04, and
£25.19 on average across London, Guildford and Southwark Dioceses. 

I urge you to pray and to consider if you are able to increase your giving to our parish to
support our future mission in Haywards Heath. The Church of England suggest that we
give 5% of our income to the mission of the Church, which is also my personal practice.
Each of us have existing financial commitments, some of us will be giving as much as we
can, and there will be others who are able to increase their giving.

We give thanks for each and every donation that supports the life of the Church.

I urge everyone to aim to give at least £60 per month towards the work of the parish.

If each person on the electoral roll gave this much we would eliminate our deficit.

If each person gave the average amount for this Diocese we would be able to pay our
Parish Share in full, and guarantee that the parish will have a full-time priest when I leave.

If each person gave the average for our neighbouring dioceses we would be able to
expand our outreach and fund people and projects in growing the life of the parish.

The future is ours to take hold of in faith, trust and generosity. I pray that we can make
this journey together as we seek to proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ, risen, ascended and
glorified.

With all blessings

Fr Edward