OUR CHURCHES , OUR CHALLENGE , OUR CHOICES
In Christ, God gives us gifts beyond our imagining, let us in thankfulness and humility respond with real generosity,
“and whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”
Col. 3:17
The ministry of our church changes lives both in our churches and in the wider community. Week by week we welcome people to be married here or who are bringing their children to be baptised and we share their joy. Week by week we are privileged to offer support to those who have lost loved ones. Week by week we meet to worship, to learn to pray and to provide many activities for all ages. I am encouraged by the time skills and energy which bring people to the church and also the financial support given week by week. This support matters and that is why we are asking for your help.
It is important that we continue to provide the range of activities that make up the life of our churches as well as meet our day to day bills. But we want to do more. We want to be able to make more of a difference through Parish projects such as the St Mary’s extension and initiatives suggested by our congregations as outlined in this brochure. We want to Think BIGGER.
To meet this challenge I am asking each individual and household in the church to do just two things:
1. to review his or her participation in and support for the church - in prayer, in time, in talents and financially;
2. To make financial giving as effective as possible through Gift Aid (if you pay tax) and by standing order – if that is appropriate.
At this time we are also launching a Parish Visit programme. Over the next two years volunteers from our churches plan to visit each household on the electoral roll. Our aims are to give people more information about the church: what it offers and how it works; to show our appreciation for the contribution people make; and to encourage people to review their involvement, express their views and engage more closely.
Please make our visitors welcome.
Please think and pray about your response to thinking BIGGER and the Parish Visit programme.
Rev'd Christopher Futcher (Rector)
June 2006
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