CONGREGATION CHALLENGED TO INCREASE GIVING
Despite the present financial climate the congregation of Chelmsford Cathedral have been asked to give more generously to meet the increasing costs of the Cathedral rated at £2,000 per day. In a letter to the congregation to launch a Stewardship campaign, the Dean, the Very Revd Peter Judd admits that some will find it difficult to pledge more cash but another £60 per day is required. Investments cover the music costs.
Already the congregation giving is £510 per day of which £90 goes to local and overseas charities : £700 is received from grants and £330 from lettings and fees The Dean writes:"The one painless and efficient way of increasing giving is by Gift Aid your contribution if you are a tax payer…we get quite a lot of loose change in the collections and if this was gift aided it would make a big difference." The cathedral, the smallest in England, is mother church for 612 churches in Chelmsford diocese.
More information about the accounts is available on a leaflet devised by the Cathedral Treasurer, Mrs Caroline Robinson and copies of the Dean's letter are available to those who wish to contribute towards costs. (Call the office on 01245 294489). Renewed pledge cards will be presented at the altar on Passion Sunday, March 21.
BIG BREW EVENT TOWARDS FAIRTRADE
There will be a Big Brew event at the Coffee interval between services at 10.30am in the Chapter House on Sunday (Feb 28). All are welcome to support the regular Cathedral Fairtrade stall and to swap to using Fairtrade tea at home to mark Fairtrade fortnight (beginning Feb 22). Worshippers are asked to pray for tea planters.
The preacher at the 11.15 Eucharist on Sunday (Feb 28) is the Revd Canon Jane Steen, Canon Chancellor of Southwark Cathedral. The Parish Eucharist is 9.30am.
SCHOOL MUSICIANS IN FOCUS
Young people in the Forest School Chamber Orchestra entertain at the Friday lunchtime concert on Feb 26 at 12.30. Refreshments are served from 12 noon.
LENT PROGRAMME IN ACTION Copies of the Cathedral Lent programme are available at the south porch. Lunches under the Tree of Life in the Cathedral are held on Thursdays at 12.15. All welcome.
ENDS