St John the Baptist, Boldre is an ancient and lovely church in a beautiful setting - for 1000 years, a special spiritual sanctuary at the heart of the local community that touches the lives of everyone in our district in some way or other. But it needs our financial support to survive and thrive.
Our heritage
Medieval monks, aristocratic patronage, the local community and very many others have, over the centuries, funded and ensured the continuation of this special place so that it still exists to touch the lives of the people of Boldre, Pilley and the wider community - when so many other churches have closed. Through christenings, marriages and funerals, Sunday services, Christian festivals, the commemoration of historical events like the sinking of HMS Hood and as a drop-in oasis of spiritual calm and reflection, this ancient building stands as a beacon and icon of our heritage and tradition. We love it dearly for reminding us of and pointing us to the inclusive God of love, mercy and forgiveness that the Christian faith and Anglican tradition stand for.
Appeal for funds
Day to day, St John’s receives gifts, donations, fees and weekly collections which usually cover most of our running costs. These include power for heating and light and general maintenance of this ancient building and its graveyard, as well as parish expenses including a part time parish secretary. However, in spite of good cost efficiencies, there have been years when our income is less than our expenditure, including the full payment of our very important contribution to the diocese. All parishes pay a fair share of this fund, which the diocese uses to pay clergy stipends and pensions, to enable all sorts of educational and charitable work and to help fund innovative new churches that are hugely attractive to people of all ages. Our contribution to the diocese should be a source of pride, and here is a video which explains exactly how our money is spent. St John’s Parochial Church Council has agreed that our income needs to rise if we are to be able to pay our parish share, meet all our obligations and strengthen the church’s finances for the future. The parish really needs your help. Without a continuing income, rising each year in line with inflation, St John's, as a church, will cease to be - even if its buildings remain.
Ways you can help
As well as your love and prayers, please help by contributing financially to the life of St John’s. There are four ways to do this:
by a one-time gift:
Large or small, a one-off gift is a wonderful way to appreciate and say thank you to St John's, for an experience which has meant something special to you. Make a donation:
- by Debit, Credit card or your Google or Apple Pay through the St John's page of the Parish Giving Scheme (TM), where UK tax payers can also claim Gift Aid for their contributions.
- by bank cheque or transfer by downloading instructions and a Gift Aid form here .
by setting up regular gifts:
Regular giving to St John's allows the church to plan its ongoing charitable work with confidence. A secure Direct Debit mandate can be arranged through the St John's page of the Parish Giving Scheme (TM), where UK tax payers can also claim Gift Aid for their contributions.
by a legacy:
Leaving a gift in your Will is a natural part of Christian Stewardship and down through the ages has always been a vital way for people to support their church. In celebration of your life, you may wish to think of St John’s in your will. Follow this link to download information.
through the Boldre Church Trust:
This is an invaluable, independent charitable trust whose objective is to assist in the long-term preservation of the historically significant and ancient building of St John’s as well at St Nicholas, including its churchyard and monuments. To this end, the Trustees' first priority is to build a permanent endowment fund from well-wishers’ legacies and donations. At the request of the PCC the Trustees will consider contributing to capital expenditure projects (but not day-to-day operational costs) when the need arises. Please see the Boldre Church Trust webpage for more information.
Please act today, to save the life and fabric of St John the Baptist, Boldre and St Nicholas Chapel, Pilley.
Boldre PCC is a regisietered charity in England and Wales (1200694)