FAQs: Your Questions Answered!
With such a complex project, it's not surprising that people have questions. On this rather lengthy page, we answer some of the more common ones. Just click on the one you want an answer to.
- Why do we need so much extra space at St Paul's?
- Why do the costs seem so high?
- How do we ensure that donations do go to the project, and not to every-day running costs?
- How do we ensure the confidentiality of the donor and the level of the gift?
- If I make a pledge and subsequently discover I can't meet it, is it legally binding?
- If I can only make a very small financial contribution, is it of any value?
- If I am a higher-rate tax payer, can I do anything extra to help?
- How do I get my mind around a seemingly impossible figure of £2.7 million?
- Is there a risk that such a major project will adversely affect the income for the every-day running costs?
- How can I find out more about the project?
1. Why do we need so much extra space at St Paul's?
Previously we could seat a maximum of 440 in church. The morning service often now has more than 400, and attendance levels consistently grow, year on year. All members of the church (over 650) simply would not fit into one service (such as Christmas Carols). The new foyer not only allows overflow space for special occasions, but also allows extra space for chatting before and after services. Have you felt the new 'buzz' it already imparts?
2. Why do the costs seem so high?
Phase 1 was much more than an overflow foyer. It also provides space for welcoming newcomers, for socialising after services, and for accommodating meetings throughout the week. There are now toilets on site, a kitchen to dispense refreshments, proper disabled access, and a much needed more efficient heating system. The precious medieval font has been relocated to a safer site.
Phase 2, the SP2 Youth and Community Centre, is in three buildings, on five different levels, and in a Victorian state of dilapidation. Much work needs to be done to make it acceptable for use by our youth groups and to encourage outsiders in from the community during the week. It desperately needs central heating, rewiring, fire alarms, disabled access, a kitchen, toilets, a lift, redecoration and floor coverings throughout... and that's just to bring it up to modern standards. With the addition of 161 Fisherton Street, we are increasing our usable space dramatically, both for our own use and for use by the local community.
Generally, the most rigorous checks to ensure cost-effectiveness of all items have been applied to the budget.
3. How do we ensure that donations do go to the project, and not to every-day running costs?
There is a separate sub-account for the Project, which is overseen by a separate Treasurer. Project funds are tracked and accounted for separately from the main church account. It is a legal requirement of charities and churches to ensure that restricted donations, such as these, are used for the specific pruposes for which they were given.
4. How do you ensure the confidentiality of the donor and the level of the gift?
The Treasurer for Enlarging the Tent opens all pledges and donations himself. The Bookkeeper logs donations into the accounts and Gift Aid is then recovered by a third person. All three are committed to the preservation of donor confidentiality.
5. If I make a pledge and subsequently discover I can't meet it, is it legally binding?
Pledges are made with good intent, but have no legitimacy. But they do help enormously with the forward planning of building contracts.
6. If I can only make a very small financial contribution, is it of any value?
Every single contribution, regardless of size, is highly valued. Every little helps and it is amazing how very many small gifts add up to a significant sum. In addition, there are many different ways in which you can use your time and talents to raise extra money. Go to the Support button (above on the left) for additional information.
7. If I am a higher-rate tax payer, can I do anything extra to help?
If you are a higher-rate tax payer, the recovery of the higher-rate tax is a crucial ingredient in terms of supporting the Project. However, individuals who fall into this category have to claim the higher rate of tax themselves and so the best way to benefit the Project is to increase the donation accordingly. The Treasurer for Enlarging the Tent can provide detailed advice.
8. How do I get my mind around a seemingly impossible figure of £2.7 million?
This does seem a dauntingly large sum of money, but think of the value of just ten houses in Salisbury. Then realise that it is is a long-term, 5-year marathon, not a one-off sprint. The first two phases are the big ones, but Phase 1 is now paid for. Phase 2 comes in digestible, bite-sized chunks. All the members of the large congregation will be supporting the Project, in one way or another, so it is very much a team effort.
9. Is there a risk that such a major project will adversely affect the income for the every-day running costs?
We firmly believe that God will provide for the needs of His church through the generous giving of its members, and that there is a strong sense of the call to be on the move for God; facilitating the growth of His Kingdom. And, after three years, there is still no sign of the general giving falling off.
10. How can I find out more about the project?
If you can't find the information you want here on the website, please make sure you pick up the original Project Brochure, Phase 2 Brochure, and any other materials we make available in the church itself. If you still want more information, ask at the Welcome Desk in church, or contact the Church Office.