A Finance Update from the elders
Thanks
We're thankful to God for how he has provided financially for us as a church over many years. Our finances have always been in a strong position, which has enabled us to support gospel work here and beyond. Thank you to all who have given generously over these years.
Situation
However, as we look at the figures from the first half of this year, we've noticed a significant drop in regular giving. That's understandable—we are aware that for some, financial pressures means reducing or pausing giving, and we know some have moved away from the area. At the same time, some may have unintentionally fallen behind in giving, others may be new and not yet started and some of us won't have reviewed our giving levels for a long time. There are lots of moving parts!
What can you do?
In light of this, we'd like to encourage each of us to prayerfully:
Consider increasing your regular giving
Start giving if you're new to the church and haven't yet had the opportunity
Consider a one-off donation if you're in a position to give more generously this year.
Please do not feel guilty if you have had to reduce your giving for good reason, we understand and are grateful.
How much should I give?
Many find the Old Testament command to give 10% of your income to God's work as a helpful guide for giving. We encourage you to start with that figure and ask if that amount (or a greater or lesser amount) will meet the 3 markers below for giving, as found in the New Testament as godly worship of God.
1. Generously
Christians are called to give generously, not tightly or minimally, because God has been generous to us.
2 Corinthians 9:6 — "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."
1 Timothy 6:18 — "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."
2. Sacrificially
Christian giving is to reflect Christ's own sacrificial love, costing us in real terms.
2 Corinthians 8:2–3 — "In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability."
Mark 12:43–44 — "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
3. Cheerfully
Giving isn't meant to be done under pressure or begrudgingly, but willingly and joyfully.
2 Corinthians 9:7 — "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
As you review or start your giving, you're encouraged to pray through these factors and decide before God what you are able to give. If you'd like to talk about this or have any questions, do speak to one of the elders.
How can I give or change my giving:
To start giving you can find what you need on this webpage: https://gracechurchwp.org/giving
Please also complete the gift-aid declaration on that link.
To change your giving, please amend your standing order with your bank.
We trust that as we each prayerfully consider our part, God will continue to provide all that we need.
With love in Christ,
The Elders
