Giving
A Stewardship Church
The financial support that St Giles receives from its congregations and friends is vital to the work of the church: like all churches, St Giles receives no money from the government and is dependent upon voluntary contributions. These Donations and Legacies contribute to the cost of keeping the church open and allow us to achieve our mission of witnessing to the love of God through our worship, prayer and pastoral care.
The principles on which we give are proportionate – to give appropriately in proportion to our income (which differs for everyone); regular – to give even when we cannot be present; direct – to give through standing order if at all possible; and tax-efficient – to gift-aid our giving (if we pay sufficient tax). At St Giles we are working to become a ‘stewardship church’ where the majority of giving comes via these four principles. Like all parish (Anglican) churches, St Giles receives no money from the State and is dependent upon voluntary contributions to keep the church open and maintain the historic buildings.
In the current difficult economic climate, we understand that finding money to support the Church can be difficult. That is why we try to assist all our supporters in finding easy and affordable ways to give that also provide the maximum benefit for St Giles-in-the-Fields. The following information may help you think about the best ways of giving.
Legacies
St Giles has a long history of generous benefactors, including Queen Matilda, its founder, and Alice, Duchess Dudley. These gifts have been invaluable in making the Christian presence of St Giles possible.
If you would like to join them then you may like to consider leaving a gift in your will to benefit the work and mission of St Giles. You can contact the Parish Office for more information.
You can also find information about leaving legacies to the church on the Church of England’s Church Legacy website.
Volunteering
Giving regularly, putting something in the collection plate when we can attend, or giving a one-off donation, are all important ways of supporting the mission and ministry of a Church. At St Giles we are grateful for everyone who supports us in these ways. Yet giving financially is not the only way in which we can show our support for a Church. We can also give of our time and experience. These are just as valuable.
At St Giles we welcome all those who in any way wish to volunteer their time, skills or talents in the wider service of the Church. We can do this by serving as churchwardens, becoming active members of the PCC, taking our turn with others to set up and prepare for worship as sidesmen, and to welcome our congregations and visitors. We may be able to read one of the lessons in worship or sing in the St Giles Choir in the evening. It is also possible to offer the hospitality of refreshments after worship. Beyond these worship-centred tasks there are always other practical ways in which friends and supporters can become involved, especially if they were able to offer some time during the week or, perhaps, take up the fascinating art of bell-ringing.
We would love to hear from any who may wish, or may now be able, to volunteer their time and experience. You have only to speak to one of the clergy or churchwardens any time after worship or over refreshments. We look forward to hearing from you.