Here is an angel
A familiar figure
This angel sits in the stonework looking with a kindly blessing on all those who pass through the big oak doors and walk into St Luke’s Church.
This angel is weather worn and looking for a little help.
This angel is a metaphor.
The good news is that in the last two years there’s been a burst of new energy with the welcome and arrival of new people and families to our church worshipping community and our mid-week activities.
Most years, Cloudesley* helps keep our eccentric building happy, but it’s the gifts of the saints and angels of St Luke’s that keep our lights on in West Holloway.
We don’t often talk about money, but did you know that our outgoings at St Luke’s currently average more than £20,000 per month? That’s a quarter of a million pounds per year to do what we do as we do it now.
We’d love to do more!
October marks St Luke’s day and with it our church Gift Day. Over the years, Gift Day has been vital in kickstarting or completing funding of our community and building projects: chairs, solar panels, insulation, kitchen; and this year we would like ask for two things.
1 – Can you make a one-off gift to help establish a pot for hospitality? Somebody once said that St Luke’s could be a ‘living room for West Holloway’. As well as nurturing the sown seeds that continue to show signs of life, like Craft & Chat, Community Lunch, Let’s Play, yoga and Soul Food, we’d like to host more for ourselves and the wider community: music and art events, seasonal parties, wellbeing courses, book groups, newcomers lunches, volunteers events. We’d like a pot to help with food and flyers, banners and admin, designers and notice boards.
2 – Can you become a St Luke’s Angel by starting a monthly donation or upping your existing donation. Your gift will keep the lights on at St Luke’s and help close the gap of £15,000 that rising costs have created in this year’s finances. Without more angels, the recurring shortfall will continue.
Regular giving, whatever the amount, makes a real difference and will reduce the end of year deficit and help plan our 2027 budget with confidence.
1 - For a one-off St Luke’s Day Gift to support our ambition to host more events and activities
use debit or credit card, google or applepay here
Or
if you want to avoid St Luke’s paying a transaction fee, then donate directly to our bank account reference Gift Day - contact finance@saitnlukeschurch.org.uk for bank details.
2 - To become a St Luke’s Angel and make a regular donation please use
There are no fees to St Luke’s and if you are a taxpayer Parish Giving reclaim the gift aid automatically for us.
We know that some amongst us will be in a position to help reduce the shortfall and to make a contribution to the pot for hosting events and activities. We also recognise that times are uncertain, not everyone has the resources they wish for, and many who come through our doors, are looking for a place of refuge - with no strings attached.
We are explicit in our belief that we have no expectation of how you respond to this letter, and no wish to use obligation as a driver for raising money. You are welcomed, loved and accepted for who you are, not what you bring.
With love,
Paul, Martin, Jacqui, Rosie, and David
Cloudesley is an independent charitable trust. We support people, health organisations and churches in Islington.
If anyone would like more details on our income and expenditure or up to date details, please email David at treasurer@saintlukeschurch.org.uk
