Giving 

We have to raise c.£130,000 per year to sustain the life of our church:  keeping a full-time vicar; contributing to wider costs of the Church of England; paying for ministry and mission; employing a Families Worker; maintaining buildings.
 

Giving is a practical necessity

We do have a few sources of income but essentially, most of the money needed for the church in Westcott has to be funded through giving.

Giving is a spiritual obligation and privilege

There is more teaching through the Bible – consistently from Genesis to Revelation – about wealth and giving than any other topic (apart from God’s love for His creation).  Essentially, the Bible teaches that all we have comes from God and we can enjoy material things, but also must understand that our deepest needs are spiritual. We are to give to those in need and to support a vibrant, worshipping community. We become freer to give the more important God is in our lives – the more we realize that peace, joy, contentment, love, freedom come from relationship with God than material things.

The more, less, more principle:
More God,  Less Spending,  More Giving

How much should I give ?

A common biblical guide is to give a 'tithe' with perhaps 5% of income to charity / mission agencies and 5% to the Church.  For some, this may be too much whereas for others, a 'graduated tithe' may be more appropriate: giving higher percentages, the higher the income.
The most important principle is summed up by St Paul: 

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance …”   2 Corinthians 9:7-8

 
Please contact Bernd Ratzke, Stewardship Secretary, for information on giving regularly to the Church in Westcott.