Giving to Grow

We are excited about St Luke’s and what God is doing here, and want to share that with everyone who joins us. Young peoples groups are thriving and many new people are joining. Despite the financial squeeze, St Luke’s continues to give a large proportion of its money away, to partners, charities, and struggling churches elsewhere. This is a reflection of the values held strongly by the church, and a desire to share blessings with others.

Many support the church through regular giving, and if you wish, please use the downloadable standing order form here.  Please contact the treasurer  (treasurerstlukesparkstoneorguk)   for more information

A copy of the 2010 accounts may be downloaded from this link.

Some Questions Answered!

What is the cost of maintaining the Mission and Ministry of St Luke’s?
Our annual budget is now in the region of £165,000 a year or put another way £3,150 a week.  We get no support from the Diocese or outside bodies and so we look exclusively to our 180 or so adult members.

What is the Parish Share – and why do we pay it?
In 2011 we have been asked for just short of £72,000 (nearly 45% of our budget).   We are part of the Diocese of Salisbury and this is our Parish Share of the £9.5 million cost of running the whole diocese.   It goes to pay for clergy (including our vicar – well under £30,000 per year gross stipend!), clergy housing, clergy pensions, and ministry training.  It also pays for diocesan and central church work, support services and staff.  In recent times about 20% of Share is used in support of smaller and poorer churches – so there is a significant mission aspect to the Parish Share.   However, It does not go to pay for Salisbury Cathedral, which is, like us, self financing.

How much goes to Mission?
Everything we do and give is for mission.  However each year we give 12½ % of our general income (c£19,500) to Missions beyond St Luke’s.  Missions we support include CMS, Bible Society, CMJ, CPAS, Tear Fund, Christian Aid, OMF/The Pains, and local ones like Open Doors and Routes to Roots.

What are the other main costs?
Staff salaries account for £45,000 per year (27% of income).  We employ a full-time Youth Minister, a secretary, an organist, a verger and a cleaner.   We would like very much to increase this to grow the church’s ministry.   Adding up the above percentages this leaves only about 15½ % which has to include everything else such as administration, maintenance, capital, heating and lighting, insurance and all other expenses.

Why should I give?
God is the owner of all things – see Psalm 24:1 and 1 Chronicles 29:14
We give as a grateful response to God’s love & goodness (2 Cor 8:9)
We give because we believe in the mission and ministry of the church
Giving is good for us, makes us more like Christ and is liberating
God blesses us as we give and the material world releases its grip.
The Lord asks and expects his people to give.

How should I give and How much?
“All should give as they are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.”  Deuteronomy 16:17
“On the first day of the week, each of you is to put aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.”      1 Corinthians 16:2

At the heart of our faith is the truth that God loves us and first of all seeks our love.  This comes before everything else – especially money!  But if we do love God and wish to give to him, then in addition to generosity and cheerfulness, prayerful giving should be Regular, Planned and Proportionate.

How much we give is a personal matter, but the following might help :
The Jews in the Old Testament gave 10% + freewill offerings.
Many Christians give 10% of gross or net income.
Some give 5% of income to the Church and 5% to other missions.
Many poor people give generously and sacrificially from a small income, and yet discover God is faithful and brings much blessing.
God understands our own particular circumstances so don’t feel guilty!

At a practical level, Giving is best done through the following two ways
The Envelope Scheme for regular weekly or monthly giving
Bank Standing Order for monthly, quarterly or annual giving

We do commend these methods.  Both can be coupled with Gift Aid  which increases the church’s income by 25p for each £1 given by taxpayers (this rebate makes up nearly 20% of our income!)

A downloadable standing order form is available here.  Please contact the treasurer  (treasurerstlukesparkstoneorguk)   for more information. And thank you once again!