 SECTION M RESOURCES FOR PARISHES

CONTENTS

M1. Parish Resources

M2. Centralised Tax Recovery Scheme
M3. Parish Finance Adviser
M4. Education
M5. Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility
M6. Diocesan Spirituality Adviser
M7. Church music, organist and choirs
M8. The Diocesan Liturgy and Worship Advisory Group

 M1. PARISH RESOURCES.

The Diocesan Board of Finance has appointed a Parish Resources Adviser with
responsibility for helping all parishes with any matters relating to finance and stewardship.
The Adviser helps parishes to develop an awareness of stewardship in general, and of
teaching the Christian duty to give financially for the work of the Church and of other
Christian and philanthropic bodies in particular. These aims are tackled by means of
programmes of stewardship teaching and in locally based activity, with the Adviser acting
as consultant to parish lead teams..
The importance of stewardship of money in the life of the parishes and the diocese has
been stressed in recent years. Not only does each parish need to plan for the increased
contributions which it will be asked to meet towards the support of the clergy (through the
Parish Share) but at the same time it will have to budget for the growing demands it will
face for the maintenance of its buildings, for its outreach work in mission, and for its
Kairos projects. Stewardship is seen as the proper and best method by which to seek a
response to the need for regular giving from all church members.

 M2. CENTRALISED TAX RECOVERY SCHEME

The diocese operates a central scheme that deals with the recovery of all tax in respect of
Gift Aid donations. There is no separate charge to parishes for this service. Full details
are available from the Diocesan Office.

 M3. PARISH FINANCE ADVISER

The Adviser is available to assist parishes and PCC members in all aspects of financial
administration and accounting.
The services of the Parish Finance Adviser are a direct charge on the funds of the
Diocesan Board of Finance and therefore there is no separate charge to parishes to make
use of the Adviser’s services. The Adviser is available to meet and discuss any of these
matters with any PCC and incumbent and to provide appropriate training whenever
possible.
For further information please consult the Parish Finance Adviser at the Diocesan Office.

 M4. EDUCATION

 M4.1 Adult Education.

Educational opportunities for adults are provided by the Mission and Discipleship section..
Courses in theological education for lay adults, at introductory and more advanced levels,
are offered each year. A programme of training courses in specific skills or interests
relevant to Christian living is also arranged. Other agencies provide learning opportunities
for adults. The Mission and Discipleship section produces a list of the wide range of
courses and events available.
 M4.2 Youth and Children’s Work.
Support for parishes in working with children and young people is provided by the Youth
and Children’s Work Adviser, based at the Diocesan Office
 M4.3 Further Education.
The Adviser for Further Education Chaplaincy works with the colleges within the diocese
and with their local parishes to establish appropriate patterns for chaplaincy support in
each of the institutions.
 M4.4 Deanery Co-Ordinators.
A number of deaneries have appointed co-ordinators for education and training, who are
available to support parishes in their educational work. Please contact your Deanery
Secretary for details.

 M5. THE DIOCESAN COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL

RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
M3.1
The Council is accountable to the Diocesan Synod and is also a charity registered with the
Charity Commissioners (No. 238597). Managed by a Board of Trustees and bound by a
constitution, its main purpose is to help the Church in the diocese at all levels, and to
respond appropriately to local and global social concerns. Although based in the City of
Portsmouth it works with all areas of the diocese.
M3.2
The Council works to a three-year plan, within which its two priorities are:
 to work with parishes and deaneries;
 to support and manage the Good Neighbours Support Service across Hampshire
M3.3
The Council also seeks to collaborate with other diocesan boards, councils, groups and
initiatives, in the common areas of the Church’s engagement in modern society. It builds
relationships across a wide range of secular, voluntary, statutory, economic, ecumenical
and social responsibility organisations.
Although social responsibility is important in all aspects of ministry, CSR understands it to
be part of the Church’s mission and outreach.
M3.4
The Council, made up of representatives from deaneries, diocesan organisations, other
churches and secular bodies, meets quarterly, produces an annual report and can also
provide information and briefing papers across a wide range of subjects.
M3.5
The diocese employs the Social Responsibility Adviser, who works with the Council, and
provides a grant toward the Council’s work. The Council employs manages the Good
Neighbours Support Service, and funding comes from Hampshire County Council and the
Hampshire Health Authorities.
M3.6
CSR’s vision, which its purpose tries to fulfil, is to see a Church open to all and interacting
in a world whose joint agendas are being transformed toward Christ’s Kingdom of justice,
peace and love for all creation.
 M6. SPIRITUALITY ADVISER
The Diocesan Spirituality Adviser runs regular Spirituality Days, often in the cathedral, and
a year-long course in Christian Spirituality. Contact him for more details.

 M7. CHURCH MUSIC, ORGANISTS AND CHOIRS.

Advice and support is available for parishes in leading worship and musicianship. It is
currently being organised by the Mission and Discipleship section of our Diocesan Office.

 M8.THE DIOCESAN LITURGY AND WORSHIP ADVISORY

GROUP.
The Diocesan Liturgy and Worship Advisory Group is a group of clergy and lay people
convened by the Bishop to offer advice, training and resources to the diocese on many
aspects of liturgy. It offers training in practical aspects of worship, such as leading
intercessions, reading, music, preparing for services, lay eucharistic ministry, use of I.T.,
etc., as well as being available to give specific help when requested to individuals,
parishes or deanery chapters. The group is also responsible for guiding the introduction
of new forms of service, particularly Common Worship, and for providing suggestions
where no centrally authorised form of service exists. Please contact the Chairman,
Canon Nick Biddle, at the cathedral.