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In figures just released by the Presbyterian Church, financial giving to its "Getting Things Done" campaign has hit its 1996 target of £2,250,000.
This money is used to pay for the corporate work of the church - projects which no one congregation could afford on their own but which congregations working together can afford to support. Included in this is part of the social witness aspect of the church's ministry, its overseas mission, training of ministers, support for smaller congregations and evangelism programmes.
'This is an excellent response by Presbyterians to the wider work of our church at a time when more and more demands are being made on personal financial resources,' said Rev Cowper Lynas, convener of the United Appeal Board, commenting on the success of the campaign. 'This is the highest amount we have ever raised and when put alongside normal congregational giving and support of special fund raising activities we are delighted to have reached this year's target so that the various agencies of our church will be able to carry out their planned programmes of activity.'
Among the programmes funded by 'Getting Things Done' include support for the Overseas work of the church which receives approx £660,000 annually from United Appeal and supports 50 missionaries in 11 countries. On average 20 new ministers are ordained every year and their training costs £330,000. Youth programmes including running 3 youth centres need over £200,000 to keep going and social action projects, some of which are part funded by government, and include rehabilitation programmes for addicts and ex-offenders cost the church £140,000. Its programmes of evangelism and support for smaller congregations require an annual budget of some £600,000.
While congratulating Presbyterians on last year's giving Mr Lynas also took the opportunity to launch this years campaign. 'Like anything else paying for God's work never gets any cheaper. We do try to keep any increase in line with inflation and our target for 1997 is £2,360,000.'
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