Stewardship
The Stewardship Department, in support of ministers, are seeking to educate and encourage people to a life of greater commitment to God and His Church
When I survey the wondrous cross...
Were the whole realm of nature mine, |
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Link to a wide range of Stewardship resources available on the National Stewardship Forum website
Our message
Our message is one that focuses, firstly, on who God is and His incredible love and generosity and then turns to consider our response to these truths. Words in familiar hymns, for example, the one above, can present a challenge to our lives and lifestyles. Our intention is to cause people to think about their own situation and involvement in their local church, embracing time, talents and money.
We believe the fruits of this message will bring the ‘body’ ministry described in 1 Corinthians 12 and a cash-flow in keeping with people’s desire to see the vision of God fulfilled in their parish.
We acknowledge how important it is for parishes to find adequate finance to fulfill their vision and be knowledgeable about the management of all financial aspects associated with church life. The department will willingly respond to requests for assistance.
Introducing the peopleGeoffrey Fletcher Carol Chisnall |
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What we do
Our intention is to plan and tailor a Stewardship Programme in keeping with the vision and needs of an individual parish. Geoff would be happy to come and talk with any Ministers, Church Wardens, PCC's, Finance Committees, or any other working party.
Click here to see
a talk outlining our standard Stewardship Programme. It will help you get a
flavour of
the approach we adopt.
However, it is far more usual for a talk or programme to be developed with individual
parishes, in order to meet their specific needs and circumstances.
Other topics which could be covered include:
Diocesan and national finances
Parish Share scheme
Gift Aid
Parish review and planning for the future
Role of the PCC
Capital fund-raising
Friends’ Schemes
Legacies
Resources
The department is well resourced with information to help parishes. We offer a range of standard leaflets and booklets covering various stewardship issues and there is also a CD-Rom on ‘Grant-Making Trusts’, which we loan out on request. For more information contact Geoff Fletcher
As part of Vision for Action there are a number of resources available on-line...more
How welcoming is your church?
The way in which we welcome people into our churches is a vital issue. A whole diversity of people visit our churches for a number of different reasons; to worship, to look around, to shelter, and our hope is that these people will find the church warm and welcoming. We hope that the impact upon them will be a positive one and the church will be seen as having a living, relevant faith, rather than simply a place of beauty and history. |
We have compiled a booklet, which raises and discusses ideas on a number of significant
issues
See the full text at ‘Welcome to our Church’ or, to receive the booklet, telephone Carol Chisnall on 01727 854532 or e-mail: cchisnall@stalbans.anglican.org
Some of the key points are summarised below:
The Building
- Is the entrance inviting—clean, tidy, easily opened doors?
- Heating and lighting—are they appropriate and to they contribute to the comfort of the surroundings?
- Information—a well presented notice board is valuable, which could include photographs of key people,
- Special consideration should be given to how well your building can accommodate elderly people, disabled people, or those who have pushchairs or prams with them,
- General appearance—let us take a pride in God’s house in the same way that we would want to clean and tidy up when we are expecting visitors at home.
The People
- Welcomers—let’s think about the initial impression we hope to make,
- Families—think about facilities for babies and children,
- Associations for the disabled are happy to give advice on how to achieve safety and comfort for their members.
Meetings
- Service books—are they easy to follow for people who are unfamiliar with them?
- Hearing—consider the benefit of a sound system, both for speakers and those people listening,
- Seeing
Publicity Material
- Has literature been produced in an up to date style?
- Avoid unnecessary jargon.
The Grounds
- Are they clear of rubbish and tidy?
- Are they managed to encourage wild flowers and grasses?
Other items raised are:
- Road Signs
- Visitors Book
- Books and Souvenirs
- Advertising your presence
See the full text at ‘Welcome to our Church’ or, to receive the booklet, telephone Carol Chisnall on 01727 854532 or e-mail: cchisnall@stalbans.anglican.org |
