Our Finances
The ministry of St Mark's & St David's is entirely reliant upon the regular financial support of its members; we do not receive funding from the Anglican diocesan organisation.
Money given to St Marks and St Davids is used in three main ways: (i) growing the ministry of our church locally by providing staff, ministry resources and support functions; (ii) investing in buildings and equipment that effectively serve ministry functions—both for current maintenance as well as future development; and (iii) partnership with other individuals and organisations engaged in strategic gospel and compassion ministries. For example, in 2010, over and above our directed missions giving, we gave some of our total income to gospel partners such as CMS (Helen Hoskins, Peter and Sarah Sholl), Pioneers (Phil and Glenda Carter), and PASWCA.
It is possible to support other organisations directly or by nominating which organisation you would like St Marks and St Davids to direct your giving towards. Such giving might form a regular proportion of your overall giving.
For a detailed break down, and current budget and giving information see our current Bulletin.
How much should I give?
The amount that you decide to give is a matter to be determined between you and God. In Old Testament times, giving towards the support of the temple system began at the level of 10% of gross income and then 'freewill', 'fellowship' and other offerings were added to that amount. Although some Christians find this a useful guide, this principle of 'tithing' does not have any force in the New Testament. Christians are free to decide before God what they give—there is no obligation.
Instead of such 'tithing' laws, Christians are instructed to give generously, systematically and in proportion to what one has (see 2 Cor 8:1-12). So having prayerfully determined what you will give, stick to it and rejoice that you are able to share in this work.
How to give
At St Marks and St Davids there are several avenues available for regular giving as well as special occasion or special purpose gifts.
Planned Giving
Regular giving is most easily and reliably facilitated by the Parish Planned Giving system. This is a no-fees 'set and forget' direct debit system, facilitated by our Diocesan financial institution and your bank. Here's how it works. When you have decided upon how much and where you would like to direct your giving, you fill in this form and return it to the church office, marked 'PPG - Confidential'. Your giving then takes place automatically and confidentially, exactly as you have nominated on the form, until you decide to make any changes or to stop giving in this way. The Parish Planned Giving form also allows you to direct giving towards mission organisations.
You may decide to give a basic weekly or monthly amount through Planned Giving and then supplement this from time to time with one of our other options.
Weekly Envelope System
If you prefer 'cash' and the discipline of bringing your 'offering' to church with you each week, you might like to use the envelope system. At the back of the church you will find packs of small envelopes, each individually stamped with the date of each Sunday of the year. Take the whole pack home, and bring the appropriate envelope back each week with your giving enclosed.
You will notice that there are two parts to each envelope. The money you place in the left hand side is for use within our parish while the money placed in the right hand side is for Mission, as directed by you on the back of the envelope.
Cash
You may prefer to just place cash or a cheque into the offertory bag when it is passed around during our church services. All money given in this way is placed into general parish funds.
Electronic Funds Transfer
A direct funds transfer from your bank account can be made straight into our parish account. Some of our members make a regular automated payment in this way, managing the process through their bank's online banking system. Our account name: Anglican Parish of Avalon with Palm Beach . BSB: 032-095 Account Number: 110507.
The St Marks and St Davids Education Building Fund
This is a new facility designed for tax deductible giving, for the particular purpose of providing for our current and future building needs. When you nominate your giving to go to this Building Fund, you will receive a receipt and an Australian Taxation Office DGR number, which can be used to claim a tax deduction on your annual tax return. All cheques should be addressed to St Marks and St Davids Education Building Fund.
To make a donation, please fill in this form and send your cheque to the church office.
For more information on the administration, trust deed, trustees and specified purpose of this fund, please call the church office or refer to the website
Bequests
This is way of making a gospel impact from heaven! Bequests are made through your Will and would normally be arranged for you by your legal advisor. You may make St Marks and St Davids the beneficiary of cash, securities, and/or other property. You may designate specific amounts or a percentage of your estate, or you may make St Marks and St Davids a residual beneficiary of your estate, that is, a recipient of some part of the balance after payment of specific bequests, expenses, and taxes. An unencumbered bequest is the most flexible way to benefit the future generations of our church.
For a more comprehensive brochure about giving at St Marks and St Davids, please click on this link.
