About Donating

If we are serious about being a Christian, we know that our lives are saved through the gift of grace, and although God asks for nothing in return, it is right to share all that He has given to us with others.  
We have been commissioned by God to be a good stewards. We are to give our time and talents, and importantly, to give generously financially. These three actions are collectively known as "Stewardship"
What is Stewardship?- Click HERE to understand what it means to be a Christian at St Bart's & St Anne's, starting with Time & Talents.

How much money should I give?
The Church of England (and all Christian churches) suggest that giving 10% of NET Income is a good place to start.
With 5% to go directly to your church and 5% to other causes and organisations that build God’s kingdom.
Giving 10% to God, leaves the remaining 90% for you to steward wisely.
Giving by standing order is a convenient way to give regularly to St Bart's and St Anne's.

(A Standing order Form can be picked up from the back of Church, or print one here)

Alongside standing orders, we have other ways in which you can donate to the church, including our contactless Dona terminal in St Bart's entrance or via text message, with the message:

Bart (number between 1-20) to 70085 to donate between £1-20.

E.g. Bart 5 to 70085 to donate £5

If you are a Taxpayer you can instantly give St Bart's an extra 25% for free. If you choose to Gift Aid your donation, we can claim back 25% of your giving. eg. for every £20 you donate we can claim an extra £5. Your £80 could mean £100 to the church if you Gift Aid it.
(A combined Gift Aid & Standing order Form can be picked up from the back of Church)
 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Common myths about Giving:

    • "People on low incomes simply cannot afford to give, the poor & unemployed for example." No, we are asked to give what we can, not what we can’t, so no one should feel guilty on a low income. Giving is about priorities:do we give our first fruits or second thoughts or last minute scrabbling for something to put in the basket? 
    •  "I can’t give; I’m self employed/seasonal worker and my money comes in irregularly." But it is possible to put a sum aside after last year’s profits or stock sale, invest it and release monthly?
    • Giving is for other churches; it’s just not Church of England!  All Christian churches are asked to give generously. It is true that traditionally parishioners from the CofE go quiet when the F word is spoken (Finances) but this is no excuse not to do our part.
    • "The Church is Wealthy, it doesn't need money." No, St Bart's and Anne's rely wholly on donations given by its congregation. Everything you see is paid for by you. Our current finances mean we only just break even each year, which is why we need you to help us to invest in the exciting projects planned in mission outreach.  
    • "10% is beyond me, so should I give nothing at all?"  No, we start where we can, maybe aim to reach 5% to the church first  and work towards 10% over time. Giving at this rate means 10% for God, 90% for me to enjoy. (The 10% reminds us that God allows us to use, or steward, 90 %!) 10% is all that’s asked of me. (10% is an initial target, not a limit.)   
    • Giving is hard for the wealthy who will end up giving so much. No, it’s harder for people with less disposable income – i.e. Luke 21: "As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.  ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others.  All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'"