Giving for Life

Giving is part of the life of faith

Everything we have is a gift from God. We are invited to respond to God’s generosity by becoming generous people ourselves.

Jesus tells us that God “so loved the world that he gave his only Son”. Giving, therefore, is not simply something Christians are asked to do. It is part of what it means to follow Christ.

And giving takes many forms. We give our money, time, skills, hospitality and prayer. Sometimes we give a great deal; sometimes a small act of kindness makes a huge difference. Whatever we have to offer, we can use it to share in God’s work in the world.

Giving to the life of the church

Our church exists because generations of people have given generously – through their money, their time, their skills and their commitment.

Your giving helps us to worship God, care for our buildings, support our staff and musicians, welcome children and families, serve our local community and make space for people to encounter God.

Regular financial giving is particularly important. It enables us to plan for the future and continue the life and mission of the church.

There are many ways to give financially, including regular giving by bank transfer or through our envelope scheme. If you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid means that the church can reclaim tax on your donation, at no extra cost to you.

Giving your time and gifts

Not all giving is financial.

Perhaps you enjoy welcoming people, making coffee, singing, reading, helping with children, looking after our buildings, organising events, praying, writing, cooking or simply being there for someone who needs company.

You may already have skills that could help the life of the church – or perhaps you would simply like to try something new.

There is no single way to get involved. What do you enjoy? What are you good at? What matters to you? These may be clues to the ways in which you can contribute to the life of our church and our wider community.

Giving in all of life

Christian giving doesn’t stop when we leave church.

Our work, our family life, our friendships, our possessions, our money and our time are all opportunities to join in with God’s generous and creative work in the world.

As St Paul puts it:

“See that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
2 Corinthians 8:7

Giving is therefore less about meeting a target and more about developing a generous way of life: noticing what we have received, asking how we can share it, and trusting God with what we have.

Some things you could do

Give thanks.
Take time to notice the good things God has given you – your relationships, your abilities, your opportunities and the things you enjoy.

Give regularly.
Regular giving, whether to the church or to charities you care about, is one practical way of making generosity part of your life.

Give generously.
There is no single amount that is right for everyone. The Church of England has encouraged Christians to think about giving a proportion of their income, with 5% sometimes suggested as a starting point. For some people that will be possible; for others it will not. What matters is considering prayerfully what generous giving looks like for you.

Give yourself.
Offer God your time, gifts, relationships and abilities. Look for opportunities to serve others at church, at home, at work and in the community.

Give prayer.
Pray for our church, our community and the people we are called to serve. Prayer is itself a gift, and it changes the way we see the world around us.

What next?

If you would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.

• To give financially, speak to our Planned Giving Officer, Tim Pike, about the different ways you can give.
• To give your time or skills, look at the opportunities around church or complete the ministries flyer and return it to the Vicar or put it in the pink box in church.
• To find out more, speak to the Vicar, Churchwardens or any member of the PCC.
• If you already give, take some time each year to reflect on your giving and whether it still reflects what you would like to offer.

Above all, giving begins with gratitude. We give because we have first received.

‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’
Winston Churchill