With the increasing costs of repairing and maintaining churches, many parishes are exploring the idea of setting up a Friends’ Scheme. Such a scheme can enable a wider group of people help to share the burden of ensuring that their parish church building is in a reasonable state to hand on to the next generation.
Many people have a great deal of goodwill particularly towards their church building, especially in rural areas. Although they may not wish to contribute towards the ministry and mission of the church, they may be willing to support part of the heritage. A Friends’ Scheme is one way in which a parish can encourage help of this kind from a wider community.
The helpful guide 'A Friends’ Scheme for a Parish Church' is available from parishresources.org.uk.