Parish of Walton-on-Thames
St Mary with St John

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Christian Stewardship

Introduction

The principles of stewardship are the foundation of our life together as a church.

Every few years we run a Christian Stewardship programme to encourage parishioners to re-consider their committed level of giving, both money and time and talents. In this way the PCC is better able organise our life and direct our mission, knowing what income to expect.

We are extremely grateful for all contributions, whatever form they take.

Traditionally the main methods of giving were by collections at services or the envelope scheme. These days more and more parishioners are giving by standing order. We are also able to claim back tax paid by those of our congregation who pay tax.

Envelope Scheme

If you want to give regularly via collections at services, you can ask to have a set of weekly 'planned giving' envelopes for the year. These envelopes are numbered so that we are able to track each donation confidentially. Only the 'Planned Giving Recorder' knows what any one person gives. He doesn't even share these details with the vicar.

Standing Order

If you are able to commit your planned giving using a monthly, quarterly or annual standing order this is much simpler both for you and for the parish.

Gift Aid

If you pay tax and you complete a simple gift aid declaration, then we are able to reclaim from the Inland Revenue an extra 28p for every £1 you give. This is obviously well worth doing.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am new to the parish and wish to give regularly. Who do I contact?
Please contact our Planned Giving Recorder. He can answer any question you have and provide forms for regular giving and Gift Aid.

How confidential is my giving?
Whichever way you chose to give, the only person who has access to any commitment you make is our Planned Giving Recorder.

What is the recommended method of giving to the Parish?
We strongly recommend either of the methods above, completing a Gift Aid declaration if you pay tax, and taking advantage of any give as you earn contributions sometimes made by employers.

I am not sure how much I should give each week, is there a norm or expected amount I should give?
How important is the work committed by Christ to his Church in your life? More or less than leisure activities? One of the essentials? The most important of all?

How often should I review my contributions?
Each October we hold a stewardship Sunday to remind everyone of the need to consider their giving. The costs of running our parish are continually increasing, as like every church we have to become more self-financing. Although costs rise for everyone, circumstances change for each of us as each year passes. Rather than wait for a major stewardship campaign, we suggest that you take that annual opportunity to review your own commitments, but this is entirely up to you.

What if my circumstances change and I wish to alter my donations?
You can change how much you give at any time. If you have a standing order then you can either inform your bank directly or simply fill out a new mandate and return it to the Planned Giving Recorder. We do ask you to advise Planned Giving Recorder if you alter your regular contributions so he can be sure no error has occurred. If your address or other contact details change, we would also be grateful if you would inform him.

If you have any further questions, then please do contact the Planned Giving Recorder:

The Recorder
c/o Parish Office
St Mary's Church Hall,
Church Street,
Walton-on-Thames,
Surrey, KT12 2QS

Please make any cheques or standing orders payable to:

"St Mary's,
Walton-on-Thames PCC"

Information Provider:
Duncan Parkes
Last changed:
17 October 2007

Welcome   |   Services  |   Parish Diary   |   This month   |  From the Vicar   |   Stewardship
Who's who   |  St Mary's   |  Tour   |  Choir   |  Baptisms   |  Confirmation   |  Weddings
Home Groups   |   St John's   |   Young People   |  Photo Album  |  Map   |  Links

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