Stewardship - giving to St. John’s and

St Luke’s

Money isn’t everything, but it does rank up there with

oxygen and water! That applies as much for us

Christians as it does for those who do not share our

faith. Whereas having it can cause heartache around

what to do with it or how to hold onto it, not having it

can exclude us from achieving our full potential. A

church starved of sufficient resources, including

money, cannot properly succeed in its work for God’s

mission in the world, both locally and further afield.

In 2022, it cost just under £300 every day for our par-

ish to meet all its commitments including keeping our

buildings open and heated for services and com-

munity activities. Nevertheless, our parish has contin-

ued to:

•

send our contribution to the Diocese’s “Common

Fund” so that they can pay our clergy, look after

the vicarage and even train our future priests;

•

provide financial and volunteer support for the

Enfield Churches Debt Centre;

•

support the Children’s Society and Church Urban

Fund through Christmas collections;

•

support poor and disadvantaged people in Uganda

through the Bridge of Hope Children’s Ministry;

•

support the Enfield Food Bank with food gener-

ously donated at the Harvest festival;

•

and launch the Warm Hub in St Luke’s Church.

This year the challenges continue, with increased

costs of living impacting everybody. Our parish, with

tripled energy costs alone, is in a similar position to all

homes and businesses.

So how does the Parish’s Stewardship Scheme

help?

In 2022, 40% of our parish’s income came from

pledged regular giving by the members of the parish’s

Stewardship Scheme which provided a dependable in-

come that enabled our parish to plan its finances

more accurately.

The Bible teaches us that our gifts should be propor-

tional to our means and income, but there are no ab-

solute rules for giving. In coming to your decision,

remember you will be giving to God, to further his

mission - it will be determined by how much you care

about Christ and the Stewardship of the Gospel both

in Clay Hill and elsewhere.

Here's a few things that people buy without giving a

second thought. Why not see how they compare to

your own giving and ask yourself if the balance is

right?

Sunday paper £1.40 - £3.50, TV licence £13 a month,

gallon of petrol £6.80 or a pint of draught beer £4.25,

cinema ticket £10.00 - £14.00

How can I give to St John’s and St Luke’s?

If you feel able to pledge a regular gift, please con-

sider joining the parish Stewardship Scheme.

You can choose to pay in one of the following ways:

•

By setting up a standing order with your bank

(either monthly, quarterly or annually)

•

By cheque or cash using the Scheme’s numbered

green monthly envelopes or;

•

By cheque or cash at more extended intervals

(quarterly or annually).

Making a pledge to give a regular contribution is im-

portant for both the Treasurer in planning the parish’s

cash-flow and you - by helping you to be disciplined

and regular in your giving.

As a bonus, the Government’s Gift Aid Scheme en-

ables the parish to reclaim 25p income tax for every

£1 gifted – at no cost to the giver! Gift Aid can be used

by any taxpayer who makes either regular pledged

contributions scheme or occasional gifts using the yel-

low Gift Aid envelopes that can be found on every pew

in church.

Who will know what I give?

Whatever you decide and whatever your reason, your

giving will be very appreciated and your pledge will re-

main confidential - a matter between you and God.

Only the Parish Stewardship Recorder will have access

to the names of givers and the amount they give.

Who can I talk to if I have any question's?

If you need help over this or about other matters,

such as giving through your Will, please speak with the

Vicar, a Church Warden or the Stewardship Recorder.

So how can I arrange my giving?

1.

Complete the Personal Pledge Form and indicate

how you want to pay your contribution.

2.

If you pay income tax, tick the “I am a UK Tax

Payer” box

3.

If you are able to pay by Standing Order (the

simplest for both you and the Parish!) set up a

Standing Order with your bank, either online, or

by completing Banker’s Order Form and giving or

sending it to your bank (not to us!).

4.

Send the Personal Pledge Form the Parish

Stewardship Recorder, Mrs Marion Berry, at 22

Hillside Crescent, Enfield, EN2 0HR or via email to

marionhw@hotmail.co.uk

What will happen next? If you chose to pay using “Monthly Envelopes”, the Stewardship Recorder will send you a pack of 12 green Stewardship Envelopes, each of which is printed with the month and a unique number to ensure the confidentiality of your giving. If you chose to pay by Standing Order, the first payment should be made on the date you entered on the Banker’s Order Form.