For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. (2 Cor. 8:9)
We give first and foremost as our response to all that God has given us freely and lovingly in Jesus Christ. Through his sacrificial death for us on the cross, he gave up everything, so that we might have the riches of his heaven – of forgiveness, adoption into God’s family, and the hope of eternal life.
Our response to God’s generosity to us is not just in money, but includes giving ourselves, and everything we have, in service to him – our time, energy, abilities, all that we possess.
As members together of the St Andrew’s family, a key responsibility we have is to support the mission and ministry of our church with our prayers and our giving.
What is the money used for?
It costs about £2,700 per week to run St Andrew’s. We receive no funding from the diocese or national church; instead, the vast majority of our income (62%) comes from our own regular giving.
This giving enables all that we do as a church, including our regular services of worship and our mission to serve our local community in the love of Jesus, through our various outreach initiatives, such as Toddlers and the Community Cafe.
We are blessed with a beautiful mediaeval church building, and a light and welcoming modern extension. Both require heating and lighting, as well as regular maintenance work, as does our church hall, used for so many of our outreach initiatives.
The parishes office is essential for the smooth running of our church, with its associated costs of internet, printing, stationery and staffing.
About half of church funds are for the ‘Parish Share’ that we pay to the diocese, mainly for the housing, training, pay and pension of the clergy.
How to give
The New Testament doesn’t lay down precise percentages for Christians on how much they should give to their church or good causes. The focus is much more on the attitude of our hearts. Here are some principles the Bible gives for how to give:
- Cheerfully
‘Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’ (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Freely
‘Then the people rejoiced because the leaders had given willingly, for with single mind they had offered freely to the Lord.’ (1 Chronicles 29:9)
- Sacrificially
‘Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”’ (Mark 12:41-44)
- Generously
‘The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.’ (2 Corinthians 9:6)
Ways to give
Parish Giving Scheme. It is most helpful for our budgeting as a church if people can make regular direct payments. The easiest way to do this is through the Parish Giving Scheme. The scheme allows you to set up a direct debit to make regular payments, and, if you are a taxpayer, reclaims the Gift Aid on our behalf. All money donated through the scheme comes directly to St Andrew’s – no commission is taken.
Forms can be found at the back of the Old Church, or alternatively you can sign up on-line at parishgiving.org.uk.
Collections in Church. If you prefer to give in church, you can either put cash into the brass bowl as you enter the New Church, or use the contactless payment machine to donate by card. If donating cash, and you are a UK taxpayer, there are yellow envelopes for you to use if you wish us to reclaim the Gift Aid on your donation.
For any questions about giving to the work of St Andrew’s, please speak to our treasurer, Kevin Pinnock (email: ).
Legacies
For many people, leaving a gift in their will is an opportunity to say thank you to God for the way he has blessed them throughout their lives. We are so grateful to those who have left us a legacy in the past, small or large. Such gifts allow St Andrew’s to develop projects that otherwise would remain undone.
The Diocesan Office has produced several helpful leaflets about making a will or leaving a legacy. Please pick up a legacy leaflet from the Information Desk in the Old Church, or contact the Church Office for more inforation
