High Ongar Parish - Christian Giving

In reaction to God's grace

God has shown His great love for sinful and unworthy people like us in the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having received such undeserved generosity we should be motivated to give generously in response. We are to be like God - ready, not reluctant givers, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7).

In recognition of God's gifts

Giving is not limited to financial giving. God has given us all we need to give generously but not all of us can give financially. God wants us to be generous not just with our money but with our time, energy, skills, property and homes. If we have received God's abundant grace then we all have something to give (Rom 12:6-8)

In response to needs and priorities

Paul encouraged the Galatian Christians to ‘do good to all people but especially to fellow Christians’ (Gal 6:10). Hence, while we should consider giving to needs outside the church, we should be especially mindful of the ministry of the church. Similarly, Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians to give generously to a collection for other Christians in great poverty back in Jerusalem. Hence, God's priorities for our giving are:

1. The ministry of our local church, including funding those who teach the word of God (1 Tim 5:17) and those in need within our church family (James 1:27, 1 Tim 5:8ff).

2. The mission and social needs of other Christians locally, nationally or internationally (2 Cor. 8-9).

3. The social and/ or other needs of those outside the church.

HOW MUCH?

Abundantly

Paul stressed the abundant nature of God's giving toward us so that we may give abundantly in response. “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor 9:8). The Old Testament commanded God’s people to give a tithe (=10%) of their income. The New Testament is far more radical - we are to be generous givers of all we have. Some will give far more than 10% of their income, others less, depending in both their means, circumstances and spiritual maturity.

Thoughtfully

Hence, each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give (2 Cor 9:7). We need to think carefully about what resources we have been given, what our other financial responsibilities are and then how much we should be giving away in total. Then we need to decide how that total ‘giving pot’ is to be divided among the various causes we support and how all that giving can be done in the most effective and efficient way.

Joyfully

God loves a cheerful giver. It's easy to give for the wrong reason - to relieve our guilt, to avoid other avenues of Christian service, to be seen to be generous by others (Matthew 6:1-4). Paul tells us that God loves a joyful and big-hearted response to all that He has lavished on us
(2 Cor 9:7).

GIVING MADE SIMPLE

How do I make regular donations?

The best means of regular giving to set up a Standing Orderfrom your bank that instructs your bank to make monthly/quarterly/annual payments. Standing Orders are the most efficient way of giving to the church, both for the giver and the church and so we encourage everyone with a bank account to give in this way, even for small amounts. Please complete the Standing Order Form in the Giving Pack and return it to the Treasurer and we will then send it on to your bank.

If your circumstances change, you can cancel, increase or decrease your Standing Order at any time. To cancel a Standing Order you simply need to contact your bank. To change the amount of an existing Standing Order, please complete a new Standing Order Form and indicate in the space provided that it supersedes your previous instructions and then return it to the Treasurer.

Another way of regular giving is by being a member of our Envelope Scheme. You will be allocated a set of small coloured envelopes which you place in the collection plate either weekly or monthly. To join this scheme, please complete the Envelope Scheme request form in the Giving Pack.

Tax Efficient Giving through Gift Aid

If you pay tax in the UK, your regular giving (either by Standing Order or Envelopes) can be increased by 28% at no extra cost to you by completing the one-off Gift Aid Declaration form available in the Giving Pack.

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid is a Government scheme that allow charities, such as the church, to reclaim the basic rate of tax on any donations made by UK tax-payers. If you pay tax at the higher rate you can claim further tax relief on all your gift-aided giving when submitting your annual tax return. However, we cannot do this on your behalf or give personal tax advice.

How can we reclaim 28p when the basic rate of income tax is only 20%?

The basic rate of income tax is now 20%, but charities can still reclaim 28 pence in every pound because of current Government regulations.

Conditions of Gift Aid

There is no minimum amount or term for Gift Aid.

To qualify for Gift Aid tax relief you must pay UK income and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax reclaimed on your donations. More information on Gift Aid can be found on the separate leaflet available from the Information Stand. However, the Treasurer will be pleased to answer any questions you might have about Gift Aid or any other aspect of giving.

How do I cancel a Gift Aid Declaration?

A single Gift Aid Declaration can now run indefinitely. If you stop paying tax or need to cancel your declaration, please let the Treasurer know (an e-mail via the Church Office is fine).

How do I make a single Gift Aid donation?

Please place your donation in one of the envelopes provided in church and complete the Gift Aid Declaration on the envelope. The envelope may be put in the collection plate or given directly to the Treasurer. All cheques should be made payable to 'High Ongar PCC’.

Can I leave anything in my will?

Yes. Please contact the Treasurer who will be pleased to give you details regarding legacies.