APPLICATION INFORMATION

The Methodist Church “Our Calling summary”

Worship

The Church exists to increase awareness of God’s presence and to celebrate God’s love.

Evangelism

The Church exists to make more followers of Jesus Christ.

Service

The Church exists to be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice.

Learning and Caring

The Church exists to help people to learn and grow as Christians, through mutual support and care.

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.In partnership with others wherever possible, the Methodist Church will concentrate its prayers, resources, imagination and commitments on this priority: To proclaim and affirm its conviction of God’s love in Christ, for us and for all the world; and renew confidence in God’s presence and action in the world and in the Church.

As ways towards realising this priority, the Methodist Church will give particular attention to the following:

Underpinning everything we do with God-centred worship and prayer
Supporting community development and action for justice, especially
among the most deprived and poor – in Britain and worldwide
Developing confidence in evangelism and in the capacity to speak of God and faith in ways that make sense to all involved
Encouraging fresh ways of being Church Nurturing a culture in the Church which is people-centred and flexible

Southport Circuit Vision

‘We recognise that the Methodist Church of the past may not be the Methodist Church of the future and so seek to explore new ways of representing Christ in our world through our life together, whilst remaining true to our heritage. It is not for us to cling on to the past, but to confidently step out with God into the future. Releasing our buildings and our people to serve God in this time and place, working with those who share our vision.

Access to high quality worship
Creative community engagement with appropriate partners
Transforming lives through discipleship
Strategic use of buildings and people

How to fill in the form

No one expects your application to be perfect so we are looking for proof that you are committed to this project and have done enough background work to be confident of its success. Be honest and clear. There may be areas of your project which are not as developed as you would like but showing an awareness of this will gain you more credit than pretending everything is perfect. Applicants will need to answer each question with varying amounts of information. If you can’t think of anything to write in response to a question, it may be worth spending a little time on this area of your preparation before submitting your application. If you have any questions please contact the Senior Circuit Steward who put you in touch with someone has the answers.

Southport Methodist Circuit Model Trust Fund

Invitation

The Circuit Model Trust Fund (previously known as the Circuit Advance Fund) comprises proceeds from the sale of Circuit property which are invested by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes as custodian trustees.

The Circuit Meeting are the managing trustees of the Circuit Model Trust Fund and may make grants out of the fund to local Churches for building and infrastructure projects, ministry and mission projects . ( or an appropriate mix of these) or other Methodist purposes approved by the Circuit Meeting

Any request for Circuit Model Trust Fund monies must be in keeping with the priorities of the Methodist Church, the Circuit Mission Policy and the local Church’s mission policy and priorities for the coming years.

Projects involving a building project must have the approval of the Circuit meeting and the District property secretary must have been consulted prior to the application being submitted, although an

Application in principle may be submitted prior to such approvals.

Projects which are substantially ministry focussed are welcomed. Where it is proposed to employ a worker then full consultation with the District Employment Officer must be followed.

Applications must demonstrate a clear aim for the work for which grant aid is sought and include objectives, an action plan and details for monitoring and evaluating the work.

Both re occurring grants (for a maximum of five years) and single grants can be applied for ( subject to funding availability)

When the Project covers a period of time information should be given with the application on how this Project will be sustainable after the grant period elapses.

Process.

Applications are made by the local Church Council / Church Leadership team in writing and include
1. The Mission Statement and Priorities of the Church.
2. A brief description of the scheme and desired outcomes.
3. The way that it supports and develops the missions of the Church and the Circuit.
4. Budget costs AND planned income streams.
The application is submitted to the Circuit Grants Committee secretary for consideration who will forward their recommendations to the Circuit Leadership Team ( CLT)before being brought to the Circuit Meeting.
The Church may be invited to support their application by a presentation to the Circuit Leadership Team or the Circuit Meeting.
The Circuit Leadership Team may appoint a ‘Visitor’ to the project who will speak to it at subsequent Circuit Meetings as to:
1. Progress and how the mission objectives are being met
2. Any considerations that develop for future projects.

Alternatively the CLT may request that a written report be submitted twice yearly to the Circuit Meeting on progress and how outcomes ( objectives) have been met.

Funding

Circuit funding would be at the discretion of the Circuit Meeting bearing in mind the current level of the funds available. As a guide line a maximum of 33% of project cost would be considered appropriate
Project cannot start, assuming grant will be forthcoming, before Circuit Meeting approval unless it is an application for ongoing support.
Applications for District Funds should only be forwarded after Circuit has considered this. If no Circuit funds are agreed this will not necessarily stop an application to District.
The Circuit Meeting will decide policy on the requirements for the prior use of individual Church Reserves. ( Refer to Circuit Meeting minutes for latest details)

APPLICATIONS FOR CIRCUIT GRANTS

Circuit funding would be at the discretion of the Circuit Meeting bearing in mind the current level of the funds available. As a guide line a maximum of 33% of project cost would be considered appropriate
The Circuit Meeting will decide policy on the requirements for the prior use of individual Church Reserves
Requests for a grant from the Circuit Trust Fund will not be considered if the requesting church has (unrestricted) reserve funds available in excess of half their Annual revenue costs as itemised in their Standard Form of Accounts. These are items are; b2, Circuit Assessment; b4, Repairs and Maintenance; b5 Utilities
Note that in the future there may be exceptions but the Circuit meeting has the option at any time to modify these conditions in the light of future circumstance
Project cannot start, assuming grant will be forthcoming, before Circuit Meeting approval unless it is an application for ongoing support.
Applications for District Funds should only be forwarded after Circuit has considered this.
If no Circuit funds are agreed this will not necessarily stop an application to District.
Grant Application form Request from Circuit Treasurer