I have a deep love of numbers. And there is something deeply satisfying when they add up or, perhaps even more, when you find the error that explains why they don't add up. As Finance Convener in Gordon Presbytery I used to look forward to the attestation of congregational accounts, with a calculator in one hand and a sharp pencil in the other. But I do get that not everyone shares this joy.
Over the last number of months, the Presbytery office has had a particular focus on getting a handle on the figures relating to our accounts. From the expenses that we pay as a Presbytery to the dues that we ask congregations to pay. I would like to say thank you to all those who have responded to our request for the 2025 dues to be settled before the end of the year. We appreciate that there is much going on for congregational treasurers and sometimes managing payments is challenging. As of today, we are waiting for monies from around 5 congregations and the majority of those have been in touch with us.
I would also like to say thank you to those of you who have paid your 2026 dues already. It makes a big difference to the practical working of the Presbytery (and our cashflow) to receive the monies promptly.
As you will see from our Presbytery papers we are now able to provide headline information relating to our outgoings in 2025 and our incomings. I am also pleased to report that we now have access to our TSB account. This has taken a long time to sort out and it is a reminder to all of us that keeping the signatories on our bank accounts up to date is really important. I hope that in the supplementary papers we can also provide information about our 2024 figures.
We are beginning to input trustee data to OSCR and we are moving towards being able to submit our 2023 accounts. And we are already working on the schedules for the 2024 and 2025 accounts.
One of my hopes for the coming year is that we are able to talk more about the numbers at Presbytery. In particular, I think it would be helpful if we could talk more about the restricted funds that we have and how individuals and congregations might apply for the use of those funds. It is good to be able to use some of that to pay towards people attending the Worship Leaders training at Aberdeen University.
But in the first instance, it would be good if every Presbyter could take some time to look at the information shared in the papers, and think about whether you have a question about the numbers - to ask beforehand or during the Presbytery meeting.
Some of the other numbers we are thinking about at the moment are Congregational Statistics, (thanks to those who have submitted them already and for everyone else, the deadline is approaching) and and Long Service certificates. It is wonderful to see how long some of our elders and volunteers have served for. If you've not thought yet about recognising folks as part of the service on 13th February, please do give it some consideration. I know that in previous years it has meant a lot to those who service was celebrated.
And finally, we've been thinking about dates of events in the coming months. We have a Service of Union for Laich of Moray (Lossiemouth) on Sunday 15th February and one for the Howe of Mearns on Sunday 22nd February. It will be great to celebrate with both united congregations.
But first, we have the date of 3rd February and I look forward to seeing you online then. Registration is now open and any apologies should go to the Presbytery office.
Rev Stella