“God loves a cheerful giver”…?
“God loves a cheerful giver”…?
When Paul wrote those words 2,000 years ago, he wasn’t pressuring people to give—quite the opposite. He encouraged giving out of gratitude, not guilt or obligation.
Sometimes others do things we value and we are grateful for their efforts. Sometimes, churches do that. For instance, offering encounter with God and friendship with others, linking to traditions and spirituality of the ages, contributing to many community endeavours, bringing comfort, especially in dark times, celebrating the joys, feeding the hungry, supporting those in hardship, maintaining heritage assets, caring for the environment, and for shared spaces like the parish burial ground. If any of this connects with you, take cheer in these gifts. Though never expected, cheerful giving in return, in any way, enables this and more to continue.
Historically, parishes (civil and church) were funded through compulsory rates set by local leaders. That changed in 1868, when the church component of the parish tax became voluntary, and in 1894, when it became illegal to fund churches through parish taxes. Since then, support for churches has been a matter of individual choice (just like Paul taught). A 1972 amendment allowed councils to fund burial ground maintenance, since they are an amenity for all, requiring constant attention. This is the only public funding churches can now receive, and is at a Parish Council’s discretion.
Each of our churches rely on the generous giving of local people. A few dozen cheerful givers actually cover the costs of about 70% of everything we do. It's a privilege to be part of such a giving community. We seek to benefit and be there for all 5,000 parishioners, and we are so grateful to the support of those few, which enables us to offer that benefit to everyone living in these four villages.
The other 30% of our income is from collections, fee income (from funerals, weddings & memorials), and Harvest House in Mulbarton. While income has held steady (and we’ve lessened our dependency on individual giving at Mulbarton, through developing Harvest House use), our costs have nearly doubled in the past 12 years, forcing cutbacks, and limiting what is possible.
We respect everyone’s right to choose their beliefs. But if you value any part of what we offer—heritage, the community pantry, worship, care for the grieving, or whatever—please consider giving, however modestly, or leaving a legacy in your will. Gifts can be restricted to what matters most to you.
And whatever you decide, you can be sure we will keep working to serve you in this community, lovingly, freely and gladly.
Details of how to give to any of our parishes are available from churchwarden or treasurer of each parish. One-off gifts, regular standing orders and legacies are all welcome. It would be lovely to have lots of people contributing a little, to ease the pressue on the few people who are giving a lot.
Some Useful Links
A downloadable Gift Aid Declaration form you can print off at home, sign and return
To find out more about leaving a legacy in your will to your local church
To give directly to Mulbarton Church online via our giving partner Stewardship