Rusper Church has a major funding problem. Each month expenditure exceeds income by approximately £500. In order to fund this deficit we are having to draw on our reserves. This cannot continue indefinitely.

Why has this happened?
- Falling congregations and therefore reduced weekly collections
- Regular giving has not kept pace with inflation and as people die or move away their donations are not being replaced by new ones

So far this year the balance on our deposit account has reduced from £15,068 to £9,766. This cannot continue indefinitely.

On the expenditure side we have been facing increasing demands from the diocese to make the ministry, i.e. the Rector and associated costs, in particular pensions, self funding. We have now reached the point where we cannot afford to increase these payments any more and have advised the diocese accordingly.

If we cannot raise sufficient funds then we risk losing our own Rector.

This money is not being used to fund special projects like the bells.

How does the lottery operate?
- Shares in the club are £5 each per month with payments being made by standing order, for an initial minimum period of 12 months. After that the standing order can be cancelled at any time (but we hope it won’t – obviously if anyone has financial problems we would allow them to cancel immediately)
- It will be possible to buy one year’s subscription in advance for £55, thereby receiving a discount of £5
- The initial target is to sell 200 shares. Anyone can buy more than 1 share and we hope that some of you will.
- The size of the prize money will depend on the number of shares sold, but if we sell 200 shares there will be 3 monthly prizes of £250, £100 & £50
- Only the numbers for the shares that have been sold will be entered in the prize draw. Share certificates will be issued to all shareholders and the numbers checked against our bank statement before each draw is made
- The draw will normally be made on the fourth Sunday of each month but may be changed to coincide with local events. The venue will be advised in a notice in the RPN, Village Shop and on the website.
- A list of winning numbers will be posted on the Church porch notice board, the village shop and published in the Parish News, plus on our website – www.rusperchurch200club.co.uk
- After payment of prize money and any expenses the balance will be paid to St Mary Magdalene Parochial Church Council Account on a quarterly basis.
- Annual accounts will be published in the RPN showing how the money was spent.

Would you like to join? If so, please click here

If you have any queries or would like any further information, please e-mail administrator@rusperchurch200club.co.uk