Support Services Update - November 2023

Dear friends,

Thank you for taking the time to read our latest Monthly Update.

As we continue to hear troubled news reports from across the world, we are thankful for the community engagement and support our local Churches are providing. We have been praying for you all and, for those Churches located in communities where tensions may be rising, be assured of our continuing prayers.

In Baptists Together we are conducting a Financial Model Review to look at how we allocate our resources – particularly the Home Mission funds and grants you generously provide to us. I have recently spoken at two national gatherings regarding our Financial Model: Core Leadership Team (CLT) and Council. These gatherings are largely made up of our Associations’ leadership. I have had the privilege of introducing David Smith, who is our new Project Analyst. David and I will, between us, be meeting with the leadership of all our Associations to discuss our Financial Model. We are also looking at how to engage with Church members who may have questions and comments. We had hoped to complete the Financial Review some time ago, but we are prayerfully endeavouring to take the matter forward and hope to hear from all interested parties.

Our monthly updates aim to provide you helpful support in your mission and ministry. Please do email us with any topics you would appreciate articles on. This month's update includes articles on:

• Annual Returns
• Pensions
• Contactless Giving webinar recording
• Legal & Operations Update
• Support for Historic Buildings
• Finance update & guidance
• Utility Aid
• ACAT subscription
• Churches' Ministerial Counselling Service (CMCS)

Lamentations 3: 25 – 26 says “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

I pray you will know His presence in all life’s ‘waitings’ during the coming month.

Wishing you a blessed month,

Chris Jones 
Support Services Team Leader


Click here to view the full November Support Services Update