Giving at St Marks and St Davids
Why do Christians give money to their local Church?
There are a number of good reasons why Christians give money to their local Church.
1. Stewardship
Everything I own belongs to God and I am accountable to him for the way I use it. This is emphasised in Jesus stewardship parables (Mt 25:14-21; Lk 19:11-27), where the good steward of his master's wealth is commended, while the bad (stingy!) steward suffers judgment. We are to store up riches for ourselves in the Kingdom of Heaven instead of here on earth (Lk 6:24; 12:16-21; 16:19-31; 18:18-30). When Jesus speaks of this kind of stewardship, he has in mind our whole lives, not just our money. However, in this sense, it is true that our use of money can be an indicator of our wider spiritual condition.
2. As an expression of gratitude to God
Though he was infinitely 'rich', Jesus made himself poor so that we might become rich (2 Cor 8:9). Financial giving is often an expression of thanksgiving to God for salvation and material abundance in this life.
3. Our obligations to our church staff
Christians have an obligation to share all good things with those whose work it is to teach and preach. This has always been the practice of the Christian church, which found a precedent in the Old Testament temple system of priests and tithes (1Tim 5:17-18; 1Cor 9:3-14; Gal 6:6).
4. Compassion for the poor
Christians are to give generously to the poor as a demonstration of the grace God has bestowed upon us (2Cor 8-9; Proverbs 19:17; 22:9). This was the practice of Christians from the very beginning, first of all to those within the Christian community, and then to all people generally (Acts 4:32-37; Gal 6:10).
5. Strategic Gospel Partnerships
The wise steward will want to get the greatest gospel return for his or her investment. We share in the gospel work of others when we partner with them financially. Not of all us are evangelists, preachers, missionaries or youth workers: but we set them free to do the job to which God has called and equipped them when we commit to supporting them financially (Philippians 1:3-7; 4:10-20).
6. Fleeing from Greed
Christians also give in order to free themselves from the tyranny of greed—wealth can be a trap! (Ephesians 5:3-10, 1Timothy 6:3-10; James 1:10-11; 5:1-6)
Other obligations
Christian giving also occurs in the context of other financial obligations that we have to governments (Rom 13:1-17), to our families (1 Tim 5:3-16), to be prudent (Proverbs 6:6-11; 27:23-27) and to support ourselves (1Thes 4:11-12). Without ignoring these obligations, Christians are to be generous and free in their giving—for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7).
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.
What is the money used for?
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 organizations engaged in strategic gospel and compassion ministries. For example, in 2006, over and above our directed missions giving, we gave 8% of our total income to gospel partners such as CMS (Helen Hoskins), Pioneers (Phil and Glenda Carter), Anglicare, and PASWCA (Barrenjoey High youth worker).
It is possible to support other organizations directly or by nominating which organization 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, click on this link.
How can I give at St Marks and St Davids?
At St Marks and St Davids there are several avenues available for regular giving as well as special occasion or special purpose gifts .
A. 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, download and fill in this application form and return it the church office, marked 'Parish Planned Giving - Confidential', 4 Kevin Ave Avalon NSW 2107.
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 organizations.
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.
B. 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.
Simply place your envelope in the offertory bag when it is passed around during church.
C. Cash
You may prefer to just place cash or a cheque into the offertory bag when it is passed around during church. All money given in this way is placed into general parish funds.
Direct transfer giving can also be deposited straight to our parish account: Anglican Parish of Avalon with Palm Beach BSB: 032-095 Acct: 110507.
D. 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.
For more information on the administration, trust deed, trustees and specified purpose of this fund, please follow this link or call the church office on 02 9918 2829.
E. 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.
F. Envelope Days
From time to time throughout the year, we issue an envelope to each member and invite donations for specific purposes. The envelopes are then collected as part of our normal offertory and the money dedicated for the advertised recipient or ministry. The most important of these is our Thanksgiving Day on the first Sunday in November.
