Parish Support (Giving)

Giving News

Giving News is an occasional newsletter for those working in parishes on encouraging realistic levels of Giving, and for those involved in fundraising. It passes on news that may be of interest and of help in this work.

Visit our Giving News page to read the latest and previous editions of "Giving News".

Gift Aid Envelopes

Many parishes have found it helpful to have envelopes for occasional visitors to use, and for use at occasional services such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals. These encourage a realistic level of Giving and enable this to be done through the Gift Aid Scheme. The Giving and Fundraising Department produces customised Gift Aid envelopes for churches. Some designs already produced are shown, together with an order form, on our Tax Effective Giving page, but you can have a bespoke design for your church if you wish.

If you require further information about how the Diocese of Sheffield can support you in your giving policy, please contact nick.hutton@sheffield.anglican.org

Parish Giving Directors - Job Description

Background

The Diocese of Sheffield has a long history of having an active ministry of Giving including our money.   As a Diocese we have one of the highest levels of average planned Giving within the Church of England.  Our network of Parish Giving Directors has played a major part in this achievement and many other dioceses have followed our initiative in this way.

For several years it has been the aim of the Diocesan Giving Group to see a Parish Giving Director in every parish.

Parish Giving Directors

Parish Giving Directors are each a member of their own parish congregation.  Their role is to work in co-operation with the incumbent, parish treasurer, and Gift Aid secretary to encourage church members to consider their Giving realistically and proportionately. Such a team can be very effective with each member giving the rest of the team support and encouragement.

Parish Giving Directors should be conscientious about their own Giving. They should have a high expectation of church members to respond by encouraging regular, committed and sacrificial Giving. This often takes some time to achieve and requires tact, patience and love.

They should be prepared to initiate and manage parish giving campaigns and renewals in conjunction with the incumbent and PCC and with the advice of the Diocesan Christian Giving Director.

The Need for a Director

It may take time for church members to appreciate that the ability of the local Church to become a living witness to Christ’s presence includes the provision of money resources.

It may take even longer for the members to appreciate that the local parish is part of a wider family of parishes which we call the Diocese.  The Diocese resources ministry in its parishes, funded by Parish Share which is paid by each parish according to a formula which shares the ability to pay for this ministry in as fair a way as possible. If all are to work together and find facilities for training and development and other parish support, money resources are again required.

In all these things the Parish Giving Director can help greatly to lead, encourage, and motivate.  The Diocesan Christian Giving Director is available to help with this and provide useful resources.

The Diocesan Christian Giving Director.

This person works closely with incumbents and Parish Giving Directors in the parishes.  The Director also keeps in regular touch with the Parish Giving Directors, offering training, printed resources, and other support.  The Diocesan Giving Director is always available to stimulate thought about Giving, and is on hand at the end of a telephone to respond to calls for help or advice.  The Diocesan Director co-ordinates the efforts of parishes and individuals, is willing to visit the parishes, and to address Standing Committees, PCCs, and whole congregations; he holds the Bishop’s licence to preach on the subject of Giving.

Christian Giving

Christians who seek to be Christ’s followers today want to share Good News, and to help show Christ’s love to others.  The local Church provides the support and opportunity we need to keep our faith alive.  It is also part of a wider fellowship of Christians.  Our fulfilment is found when we can give ourselves to God in thankfulness for his love and provision. Our Giving includes our money. We offer to God what is rightly his, and pray that it may be used to bring honour and praise to him.

A Parish Giving Director is a vital person in helping Christian Giving to be a reality.

The next step

Being a Parish Giving Director is an interesting, challenging and rewarding role. It is a greatly respected position which usually carries with it a place on the PCC. It is an opportunity to make a substantial contribution to the life of a vibrant and active parish.

If anyone is interested to know more about the task and what support is offered, the Diocesan Christian Giving Director at Church House is available to have an informal conversation at any convenient time, and assumes no commitment at such an early stage.

Nick Hutton                                                                                                   October 2008
Diocesan Christian Giving Director

Church House,
95-99 Effingham Street,
Rotherham S65 1BL

Direct Tel: 01709 309151
Mobile: 07764 188847