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There is nothing quite like the subject of money to provoke discussion, argument and embarrassment in church communities. In the wider public view, churches are extremely wealthy but still want people’s money. Within the Church of England, many congregations are convinced they haven’t enough money, are sure that their parish share is too large and that they should be paying less, rather than more than St Wotsit’s up the road!
The reality though is very different. For all of our parish churches, financial viability is dependent largely on regular giving by the congregation. Fund raising events, one off gifts and legacies are all worthwhile in their own way but they cannot and should never detract from the importance of each person making a conscious, prayerful and realistic assessment of what they are able to give to God for the life of His church. I’m sure that most people would agree that individuals and organisations need to depend on a regular income in order to plan, budget and meet commitments. This is as true of the church as it is of any other organisation, and this is one reason that we ask people to commit to planned giving of a regular amount using envelopes or a standing order.
It is a characteristic of a healthy, forward looking church that it takes a regular and honest look at its levels of giving and I am delighted that St Peter Bolton-le-Moors is doing just that. St Peter’s occupies a strategic and important place in the life of the town, but its first call and responsibility is to be a witness to the presence of Jesus Christ to everyone in its parish community. This calling is worked out through worship and outreach, and not insignificantly, through the provision of an outstanding church building and facilities. For this work to continue and to grow, members of the Christian community are called to provide financial support, not for its own sake, but in response to the generosity of a God who has given and continues to give us so much.
As you engage with this period of stewardship renewal, I want to encourage you to be courageous in your thinking, planning and decision making. Most of all however, I want to encourage you to reflect on all that God has given to you. Finally and in consequence, I want to encourage you to give generously of your money, along with your time and your talents to the God who has given to all of us much more than we could ever hope for or deserve.
Revd Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle Area Dean of Bolton
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