Dear Friends,
The Seasons of the Church help us to consider different aspects of our lives that we might not otherwise get around to! We are currently in the season of Epiphany when we tend to think about the wise men the Magi bringing their gifts to the infant Jesus. The invitation is to review our own giving as we close one calendar year down and begin a new one. This might be a good time to review the way in which you invest in the works of your local church. We don't tend to think about giving to our local church as an investment, and yet, that is very much what it is. The Magi gave gifts generously to the baby Jesus and his family, they did not know how the gifts would be used but trusted that Mary and Joseph would take care of the child and use the gifts wisely.
When we give to our local church we are making a statement about what is important to us, and it helps to ensure that the church will be here for years if not generations to come. Each year we are asked to review our financial giving to the church, it is important that we take time to do this as our circumstances can often change from one year to the next. Most of us will be able to make a regular contribution, and I want to thank you for doing so. It is this regular giving that really helps each church to budget and plan for various works that need to be carried out, but also ensures that each church is able to contribute to the Truro Diocese ministry and mission fund (MMF). It is from this fund that the diocese funds clergy services such as housing, pensions, training, recruitment, health and well-being support. The MMF also supports those willing to train in lay ministries such as Readers or lay ministers, local leaders, pastoral assistants and local worship leaders. Other services that the MMF covers are legal services which are available to each church as and when we need them, also the faculty system which oversees memorials in churchyards, improvements or modernisation of church interiors.
The diocese have several grant schemes available to churches to help with funding for various projects whether that is for building works, an outreach programme or even another member of clergy and these grants are made possible by our MMF contributions. Truro Diocese will soon be releasing their financial report from last year, where members of the diocesan synod will be able to question and challenge the priorities of the diocese (as we do at our local APCM's).
Please do consider whether this is a good time to review your regular giving at the church, or perhaps you would like to plan for a future donation and leave a gift in your will. The Church of England has produced guidance on legacy giving which you can find at https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/church-legacy. Please remember if you are able to GiftAid your giving this will increase its amount by 25%. Gift aid declaration forms are available from your treasurer and are very quick and simple to complete.
grace and peace,
Revd Caroline
This Week's Services
Sunday 12th January - Baptism of Christ
Probus 9:30am - Holy Communion with Rev Caroline
St Erme 9:30am - Holy Communion with Rev Brian
St Crida 11:00am - Holy Communion with Rev Pat
Ladock 11:00am - Holy Communion with Rev Caroline
Tresillian 11:15am - Holy Communion with Rev Brian
Probus 7:00pm - Service of Praise - led by Scott
This Week's Readings
Isaiah 43:1-7
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17,21-22
Collect for this Sunday
Heavenly Father,
at the Jordan you revealed Jesus as your Son:
may we recognize him as our Lord
and know ourselves to be your beloved children;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Next Week's Services
Sunday 19th January - 2nd Sunday of Epiphany
Probus 9:30am - Connect with Scott
St Erme 9:30am - Holy Communion with Rev Caroline
St Nun's 10:30am - Holy Communion with Rev Pat
Ladock 11:00am - Holy Communion with Rev Caroline
Tresillian 11:15am - Holy Communion with Rev Greg and Joyce
Next Week's Readings
Isaiah 62:1-5
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11
Bulletin - please note all items for the following weeks bulletin to be sent to bulletin@probus.church by 5pm on a Monday
Thanks - Eleanor
Parish Giving Scheme
The Parish Giving Scheme is our preferred method of receiving regular giving within the churches of Probus, Ladock and Grampound. If you haven't already transferred from other forms of giving then do check out how it works through the link here or by contacting your treasurer.
Upcoming events
Will's special guests for the January dates including Probus will be award winning acoustic female duo True Foxes from Penzance
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