At the last PCC meeting Mark made one of his amusing, but at the same time serious comments in his Vicar’s item. He said the two questions he gets asked most as he greets visitors or potential members of the church family are: “where are the toilets?” and “where/how can I leave my financial gift?” These are questions hopefully every church family member can answer!
Giving via the plate or the digital machine is always welcome. So far in 2023 around £4,500 (including gift aid) has been donated by these means from people attending services or events such as the friendly stops. However, by the end of the year it will probably only represent 1.5% to 2% of total giving.
It is, therefore, great when All Saints becomes “our church”, that the question often changes to: “how do we give regularly?” This can bring a sense of belonging to the All Saints church family and be an important way of contributing to our joint life together. If can be a sign of the Spirit working in us and a way of responding to Jesus’ amazing love for us. Leaflets on how to join the pledged giving scheme are always by the digital machine on the stewardship table.
It will be Stewardship Sunday on Sunday 15th October, a time for us all to reflect on how we give of our time, talents and treasure. As part of this, members of the church family will receive a letter setting out why PCC would love to see regular giving grow substantially as we seek to sustain and develop activities to meet Jesus through His Open Door.
I look forward to answering any questions you may have on our finances on Stewardship Sunday. I am also happy to answer them throughout the year!
Julia Newton
Treasurer