Monthly E-newsletter from the Finance, and Resourcing Parishes Teams

New: Thinking About Generosity.....

Free contactless devices, application deadline Thursday 11th August!

Generosity Week 2022 Resources & Webinar

Parish Zoom Clinic

ACAT training

Return of Parish Finance Thank you

Grant News

Sunday 14th August - Trinity 6. Genesis 18.20-32

Forgiveness is generous

(Genesis 18.20-32)  Imagine the conversation between Abraham and God, bartering at its best, God smiling as Abraham tries his luck time and again. How far dare he push God for the sake of wicked Sodom? Forgiveness is a generous act, not because we forgive but because of the amazing way that God forgives. Given the slightest opportunity, God lavishes forgiveness on us and desires His children to receive good things in abundance.

Forgiveness doesn’t come easy. It is generous but it is costly. It cost the cross. It costs us. To let go of what has hurt us and forgive requires that we abound in the goodness of God’s generosity. We may easily put cash in the charity bucket or tap the card reader but it’s much more demanding to forgive. Welcoming and loving those who have hurt us with the welcome and love God offers – that is generosity, the way of the kingdom of God.

Jane Winter is Assistant Director of Formation and Ministry in the Diocese of Rochester.

Free contactless devices - Application Deadline 11th August

Digital giving is being expanded across the diocese this summer, thanks to new, free contactless giving devices being made available to parishes.

70 contactless devices will be given to churches all across the diocese, as part of a nationwide roll-out supported by the Church of England’s National Giving Team.

If you would like to apply for a device on behalf of your church you will find access to the online application form by clicking the link below and following the instructions

Applications must be submitted by Thursday 11th August. 

For more information regarding the project read our news item here or contact Stewardship officer Janet Edmond at [email protected].

A Digital Project pre-launch information webinar was held on on Friday 1^st July, watch the recording here. 

Get Involved with Generosity Week 2022!

Generosity Week this year starts on 25 September 2022. We invite you to explore God's generosity through eight days of service and worship materials, as well as stories from our churches of God's generosity in action. A whole suite of ready made resources are available for you to download at the link below. Watch the Generosity Week trailer here and view a recorded webinar from the National Giving Team on "How to Run Generosity Week" at the link below. You can also sign up to receive a weekly Generosity Week newsletter from the National Giving Team packed with advice to help support you run your Generosity Week. View the first edition of Generosity Week News here before you sign up 

PGS Zoom Clinic - Monday 22nd August @1pm

Launch the PGS During Generosity Week 

Join Stewardship officer Janet on to find out why Generosity Week is a great time to launch the Parish Giving Scheme to your congregation or "relaunch" it if it's been a while since you've introduced the scheme.

The PGS Zoom clinics are informal meetings for everyone to join whether you are already registered for the PGS or still considering. Come along and have your PGS questions answered!

Parish Giving Scheme - Narrated Presentation Available

If you are considering joining the PGS you might like to receive a new, narrated PowerPoint presentation, created by Stewardship officer Janet , which can be played at a PCC meeting or to your congregation. The presentation, entitled An Introduction to the Parish Giving Scheme, is about 10 minutes long and explains how the PGS works and the benefits it offers to donors and churches. To receive a copy of the narrated PowerPoint please email [email protected] 

The National Giving Team are undertaking some research into income generation activities within the Church of England and would welcome your help.

Please help by completing their short survey to help them understand the challenges and opportunities that income generation creates in your church environment.

Deadline for survey responses: 31st August 2022

2021 Return of Parish Finance - Thank you!

Many thanks to all who submitted their Return of Parish Finance by the 31 July 2022 deadline. If you did not manage to achieve the deadline, we do still want the information! Although online submission is now closed the information can be submitted via email ([email protected]) using excel template available at the bottom of the portal homepage. 

Grant News

Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust 

The Trust has recently been bequeathed a couple of generous legacies and as a result, they are actively looking for applications for their  next round of grants. Churches don't have to be listed or classed as historic to be eligible for funding and their grants can  fund schemes that access hard to reach places in order to carry out essential maintenance. Next application deadline is 26th August. Find out more here

Energy Project Enabling Fund

This fund offers funding to help deliver energy projects and is open to applications from charities and community groups across Yorkshire. Grants from £10k to £50k  are available although at least 30% match funding is expected.  Closing date for applications is August 19th. Find out more here

A reminder of our email addresses so you get the right support and advice:

For stewardship, income generation, parish finance, Parish Share and grant enquiries:

[email protected] or you can email Janet or Jenn directly.

For general finance queries including invoices, clergy fees and payroll:

[email protected] or you can email Jane, Hayley, Clare or Jenni directly.