Stewardship Campaign
RESPONSE FROM THE GATHERING
During the month of September 2012, every member was visited and given an invitation to attend a Gathering to be held after morning worship on Sunday 30th September 2012.
Following The Gathering held at the end of September we have had a very positive response to the presentation given on that Sunday.
The committee would like to thank all those who responded. Many members have increased their givings. Members have also changed from envelopes to paying by Standing Order and others have set up new Standing Orders. Some members have asked for envelopes. Members who had not previously signed a gift aid declaration have now done so which means we can claim more money back from HMRC. If anyone is not sure if they can sign a gift aid form please speak to Alistair and he will be able to tell you.
PREPARATION FOR THE GATHERING
At the General Assembly of 2011, the Right Rev David Arnott spoke about the need for a national stewardship campaign across all churches. He encouraged every church to participate.
Edith Scott, the Stewardship Consultant for our Presbytery, has assisted our Stewardship Committee in preparing the campaign for our church.
During the month of September 2012, every member was visited and given an invitation to attend a Gathering to be held after morning worship on Sunday 30th September 2012.
On the day and as members arrived at the church they were given an addressed envelope containing an information pack. At the end of the service, the congregation remained in their pews. Three members of the Stewardship Committee then gave a short presentation on the Challenge to the Church,
This highlighted that our givings help to provide parish ministry throughout Scotland, to maintain and develop our own buildings for the life and service of our congregation and community and also the national and global work of the Church of Scotland.
Our Church provides worship and fellowship,services for baptisms, weddings and funerals, a centre for youth groups to allow children to grow in the Christian faith, a home for our church and community groups to meet.
Short presentations were given on the cost of running the church and where the money comes from, We were encouraged to think about the amount that we give and how to make it as effective as possible. Emphasis was put on:-
a) Gift Aid – If you are a UK taxpayer – your givings can be increased by 25%
b) Standing Order – Many people now use a Standing Order. A standing Order is an ideal way to give to the church and assures our congregation of a regular income. There is no need to feel embarrassed by passing the offering plate on a Sunday.
c) Free Will Offering – These envelopes help you set aside your offering on a weekly basis. You can use your envelopes to give through gift aid
d) Leaving a Legacy – If you are making a will, why not consider leaving a legacy. It is exempt from inheritance tax and you’ll know that you are benefiting the ongoing work of our congregation.
The information pack included forms relating to ‘My Response’, ‘Standing Order Form and Gift Aid’
It is hoped that the congregation will respond in a positive manner to this appeal..
At the close of the presentation, the congregation moved thorough to the main hall where various organisations had laid out displays showing their work and the opportunities to consider the work of our church and share ideas about how we can be effective in its future.
Tea, coffee and home baking was available in the lounge wheere members had a further chance to relax and have a chat.
The opinion of those present was that it was a worthwhile event both in the manner of presentaion and the companionship thereafter.
For those members who had been unable to attend, the information packs were posted out.