Stewardship renewal campaign Advent 2009

During Advent church members were given a series of sermons setting out the meaning of Christian Stewardship and the challenge to review their giving. In the current economic climate this will be a greater challenge than ever before. However, all the signs so far suggest that many are increasing their giving and we have gained some new members and increased the number of Standing Orders. We are very grateful for all responses.

 

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Giving joyfully, with a grateful heart to God thought his Church is an important commitment. It will involve not only money but our time and the use of our gifts. As we come together as the Body of Christ here in Flitwick we become a sign of the living presence of God not just in church but in the community and even the whole wide world. It is a recognition that we do not really own anything in this world -it is given to us to steward, for everything comes from God and we can only offer him what is already His.

 

Regular giving

Regular giving means that we are able to carry out God's mission through worship and ministering to all who need God or some particular help locally and more widely. Giving money helps us meet our domestic budget in order to run services, have a full time vicar with all associated expenses, heat and light, Sunday School and Youth Group expenses, worship supplies, insurance to mention just a few matters. Church members often use weekly envelopes to make their gift so even if they are not in church every week, the church still receives their donation throughout the year. It can also be Gift Aided so as to claim back the tax paid. Others choose to give through a Standing Order at their bank.

 

Casual giving

This usually comes to us when people either make one off donations. If at a baptism, wedding or funeral people can use the yellow envelopes to be found in the church too make a gift aided donation, meaning that we can claim the tax paid on their gift back from the Chancellor. This can really make a difference to our annual income. This applies only if you pay income tax at the basic rate. Some givers do not pay any tax and their gift is just as important to us.

 

Time and talents

We could not possible run a church without members and others of goodwill to do the myriad of tasks needed to run and maintain everything. We are here to serve and so many dedicated people regularly involve themselves in cleaning, churchyard maintenance, worship, children and youth work, taking Holy Communion to the housebound, prayer and study groups, committee work, pastoral visiting, fund raising and many other things too. It is so important that we offer to God all that we are in gratitude for all He does for us.

 

Other giving

The church also regularly sets aside a sum of money to give to various groups and organisations. These have included the Church Army, Church Missionary Society, Mercy Ships, United Society for the propagation of the Gospel, Missionary Aviation Fellowship, The Children's Society, Christian Aid, Bishop of St Alban's Harvest Appeal, and various events supporting cancer research.

 

Giving is good for you!