resolution
'I must review my giving to the Church'
the New Year Resolution to which we hope you
will give top priority in 2012.
How much should I give? Are there guidelines members of Stockbridge should follow? Giving is an individual matter which each of us must ponder, before taking action. So the answer to the question is 'No', because personal circumstances, commitments and responsibilities vary so widely.
The Bible contains a number of references to 'tithing' (e.g. Leviticus 27:30), that is contributing a tenth of one's income to help God's work. What was appropriate in Biblical times must be adjusted to fit the 21st century and so 'tithing' is perhaps best seen as a target or an aspiration.
Whatever you can afford, it is important that you give regularly. Regular giving makes it much easier to draw up the Church's Annual Budget. Previous articles have highlighted the importance of the weekly Free Will and Gift Aid envelopes and have urged those with a bank account to give by Standing Order.
If you do so, you will continue to give to the Church during weeks when you are absent from Church. Many of us may feel some embarrassment when we 'pass the plate' for the first time appearing not to give, but that feeling soon disappears. You will see that many of your fellow-members already 'pass the plate'.
If you pay Income Tax you should check that you have signed a Gift Aid Declaration. It needs to be signed only once. When you give £10.00 using Gift Aid, the Church can reclaim the basic rate income tax of £2.50 at no cost to you. That way your donation becomes £12.50 in the Church's hands. Larger donations increase in proportion.
Whatever your offering, be it large or small, it should in some way reflect the importance you place on the spreading of the Word of God and the value you attach to membership of Stockbridge Parish Church and of the Church of Scotland nationally and internationally.
If you value your Church, please review your giving this New Year, and be generous.
Can we count you in?