'For it is in giving that we
receive'
These words of St Francis remind Christians of their
privileged position and are central to the work of all Christian communities.
We are blessed to be located in a most beautiful part of God's creation
and to receive so many benefits from our life here. We pray that, through
practising the Christian principle of giving, we allow the Holy Spirit to
work through us so that our lives together are enriched and our spiritual
experience strengthened.
Helping the chaplaincy with my time
and skills
Giving takes many forms, but all are rooted in the
same principle. So that God¹s work may be done, people give generously of
their time and of a broad range of skills and talents - professional,
creative, and personal. Rotas of readers, intercessors, singers,
musicians, lay assistants, sidesmen and women, churchwardens and, by no
means least, providers of refreshments ensure that services happen and
the workload shared: the degree of commitment ensures that worship is of
appropriate quality. Hosts and leaders of home groups; church council
members; Sunday School, Junior
Church and youth
group teams; organisers of special occasions, of bring-and-share meals,
hikes, and picnics: all contribute to a varied and immensely
enjoyable community life. We give of ourselves and have lots of fun as a
result. Please feel free to come and share it.
Helping the chaplaincy with my money
The same commitment applies to financial giving. The
work of the chaplaincy has grown significantly during recent years.
We are thankful that the numbers of regular services and the
locations in which they are held have increased. But it all costs
money and we receive no financial
support from outside our boundaries. For example, we need to
hire the buildings we use and to finance salary and other costs for the
chaplain. Sunday worship is only a part of what the chaplaincy provides
for the English-speaking community within this very large area. The
clergy lead baptisms, weddings and funerals, sometimes for
non-worshippers. Together with many others they give pastoral care
to the sick and bereaved. They are naturally often involved when visitors
fall ill or are in difficulty whilst within the region.
Little of God's work amongst us would be possible without the commitment
to significant, regular giving which many people make, whether through
the Sunday collection, donation, or, more effectively, through standing
order. If you are interested in learning more of the tax benefits
to you of making a standing order commitment to the chaplaincy, please
contact our Treasurer James Cox
on 05 65 36 47 12, or click HERE
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