Stewardship

Sunday 4th October was Stewardship Sunday, when we thought in our services about all God’s gifts to us, and our responsibility to look after them and use them wisely. We considered our response to God in giving back to him, and specifically this time we looked at our financial giving.

I thought it would be helpful, especially for those who were unable to be at church that day, if I gave a brief outline of the issues we talked about. In the December magazine, I hope to be able to expand a little on this when there is more space.

So here are some general principles and practical information concerning certain aspects of Christian stewardship and giving.

Please note also that Peter Broadbent, our new Parish Giving Officer, is available to help people with any queries and offer assistance on a one-to-one basis with any aspect of Christian giving.

Do contact him on: 0161-427-5119 or Email: peter.broadbent@norburypc.org

Financial Giving: Some Principles and Guidelines

Basic principles

• Everything we have comes from God. We are not giving him things of our own – we’re just giving some back!
• God must come first in our financial planning, before we decide what else we want to spend our money on
• All our giving (inc time, talents and money) is part of our Christian discipleship – giving is a spiritual issue!
• Our giving should be a considered proportion of our income
• the Biblical pattern, followed by many Christians, is to give 10%
• the Church of England recommends at least 5%
• we need to review our giving regularly

Practical issues

• Planned giving: this is much the most efficient and easiest way to give – either by the envelope scheme, or, better still by Standing Order from your bank to the church (this can be easily set up, and altered, at any time)
• Gift Aid: this is a vital extra bonus - if you pay tax, all you do is fill in a simple form, and the Inland Revenue will give back an extra 25%. No extra cost to you, and a huge help to the church!
• Wills: legacies to the church make a massive difference to our ability to finance our mission and ministry here. (Simple forms are available for Standing Orders and Gift Aid – please contact Peter Broadbent, our PGO – see above)

Richard Lawry

Financial Overview - Income and Expenditure

The following figures show, in broad outline, the costs of the mission and ministry of our church and all the activities within it, and how it’s paid for:

Finally, here are some relevant verses from the Bible, which might be helpful as you reflect on these matters and pray about them:

“All things come from you, and of your own do we give you.” (1 Chronicles 29:14)

“Everyone should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

“You will have treasure in heaven.” (Matthew 19:21)

“Rejoice in the Lord always!” (Philippians 4:4)

As I said before, we are very blessed to have a large church family and a beautiful church building, and to be able to pursue all the different activities within it. Our aim is to bridge the deficit between our income and expenditure, and so put the church on a firm financial footing.

And whatever you are able to give financially, please do pray that God will continue to bless our endeavours together for him, and that we will develop more and more a sense of gratitude for God’s wonderful providence and provision, and a deeper desire to give back to him. Thank you all for your generosity, and for your part in helping to sustain God’s work in Norbury.

Analysis of Income 2008 (£207,349)

Analysis of Expenditure 2008 (£229,425)