Growing In Generosity

Growing In Generosity

Remember this, whoever sows sparingly reaps sparingly
 and whoever sows generously will reap generously 
2 Corinthians 9:6a


OUR CHURCH

As the Church in Bisley and West End we have a Big Vision:

To nurture and grow what God has planted to build a
flourishing church and community in Bisley and West End.

As we have stepped out of lockdown and into a new season there are lots of good things happening and new shoots emerging: 

  • Marking important life events and helping people find meaning in them
  • Churches open, welcoming, cared for spaces for whole community use 
  • Nurturing faith and growing disciples
  • Encouragement of excellence, variety & participation in worship offered
  • Ministry to the housebound, care homes, vulnerable and sick.
  • Schools’ ministry which is active, impactful, making a real difference
  • New collaboration projects with the community - The Hive & Foodbank
  • Eco Church – New focus on reducing environmental impact  

 

Our focus going forward over the next 3 years is to continue with this good work and tend to new areas of ministry emerging, including: 

  • Appointment of a Curate
  • Ministry to the bereaved
  • Enabling Christian clubs to run in the schools
  • Making our services more accessible to those with particular needs
  • Support of the new Scout & Guide centre for church & community use

 

We are blessed by God with so much potential in this parish, but release for growth is needed in the shape of more resources.

More Given by More People with More Faith

in the future God has for us here in Bisley and West End.

 

OUR CHALLENGE

The Church operates as a charity.  The only income it receives is from donations and our annual costs (just like all our household bills) are increasing year on year.

In 2022 the voluntary donations to the general fund totalled £57.1k (before gift aid) which allowed all costs (including parish share) to be met and gave a small surplus of £4k which was great news.

Growing in Generosity is not about paying the bills, it is about exercising our faith and investing in growth which is far more exciting!

Our target is ambitious but realistic.  An overall increase in voluntary donations of 30%.  An increase of this level will provide the confidence to start new projects and pay housing costs for a Curate knowing that these are things we can responsibly afford and manage.

We recognise that for some people no increase will be possible, but that others will be fortunate enough to be able to give more.  Some may not have ever considered giving regularly to the church, but if you value what the church provides in this community perhaps now is the time to make a pledge to start planned giving.  The boxes below show the current level of giving of our 44 regular donors and offer some thoughts to help you reflect on whether your current level of giving feels right to you or could it be time for a step change.


 Church Giving Profile 2023

 

 OUR CHOICE

 

Each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor 9:6b

We hope this growing in generosity season of teaching, preaching & prayer will deepen our understanding of the relationship between faith and finance.


Making a pledge

Please prayerfully consider how you can respond and then complete a confidential pledge form available at the back of the churches or by downloading from here.  Please return it promptly to provide us with a clearer financial picture prior to the PCC.  Decisions around a Curate which will be made in mid-July.

We are very grateful to those who have responded with returning pledge forms to confirm the level of financial support they are able to commit to at this time.  We are still hoping to receive more returns.    Please pray.


Switching to the Parish Giving Scheme  

As giving is reviewed we invite everyone who gives by bank standing order to consider directing this in future through the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS).  This will ease the administrative burden at parish level, and smooth out fluctuations in gift aid return which helps with cash flow.  Click here for further details on how to switch to the PGS.

Leaving a Gift or Legacy

You can keep on giving to your church, enabling ministry and maintaining our sacred places of worship long after you have gone through leaving a legacy or gift in your will.  New rules now give significant inheritance tax benefits to any estate where 10%+ is given to charitable causes.  To encourage church members to make wills, a free will making service is available through the diocese, details of which can be found here.

If you would like any further information about donating to the parish, please use the contact form to get in touch with the Parish Office.