Thursday, October 04, 2007

Stewardship of our Resources 2007/2008

Dear Friends

“Christian Stewardship is the way in which Christians exercise their duty to administer what God has entrusted to them and to serve him gladly in his Church” (from A Catechism in An Anglican Prayer Book 1989, pg 435).

Making ourselves available for Christian service is an essential part of Stewardship – a way we can all demonstrate commitment to our Church and our community. As we move steadily towards a new year, we urge you all to consider what you can do as members of Corpus Christi to exercise your Christian duty and serve with joy in the year that lies ahead:

Making your Time, Talents and Skills available is one of the greatest gifts you can give – especially in these days of trying to balance crowded diaries, fast-paced working lives and family commitments. We all, however, have something to offer: a skill or talent that can be utilised to the benefit of fellow parishioners and the Church’s Mission. It may be something as simple as offering your services as a driver to the Samaritans Group or as an extra pair of hands to the Catering Committee or helping with tea after services; perhaps you can see where your professional skills could be used to the benefit of the Corpus Christi community.

Please consider what you can do and how much time you can offer, and let us know by filling in the relevant section in the Stewardship Commitment Form. Tell us how you can help, when you can help and what activity you would like to be involved in. We will collate the information and you will be contacted.

The Generosity Giving Scheme is a vital part of the mission, growth and maintenance of parish life. We always appreciate the consideration and generosity of parishioners who support this area of “Tithing” and give steadily, constantly and regularly. It is an unfortunate fact, however, that inflation and rising interest rates impact as much on our mission, ministry and maintenance of parish life as they do on our individual pockets.

The Diocese has set a bench-mark increase of 7% for 2008. This does not take into account the need for us as a parish to increase expenditure in areas of mission and ministry – vital areas of our lives that require ongoing support. Although our budget for 2007 was balanced by a wonderful individual donation of R60,000, which enabled us to support our Missionary Deacon, we need to spread these costs more broadly next year.

Please prayerfully consider your financial commitment to the work of God through Corpus Christi. While “Generosity Giving” covers our general budget, there are many other opportunities open for you to make a substantial contribution to an aspect of growth in mission and ministry which you may find appealing. Please talk to our Rector if there is either an existing or potentially new area you would like to specifically support.

We are fortunate to have as a “home” one of the most attractive churches in Pretoria. Keeping it pristine requires that we continually maintain and develop our facilities. The Buildings and Grounds Improvements Fund is another vital area that can be supported with your “Tithe”. While we run a separate fund-raising effort for our Church Building extension and renovations (“Buy a Building Block”), contributions to the Building and Grounds Improvements Fund in 2007 have helped put new carpeting in the church, and will contribute to the renovation of the tiling around the altar, and the installation of a much needed sound system. This money in 2008 will help continue the ongoing improvement and maintenance needs of our facilities.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him” (Colossians 3:17; TNIV).

Yours in fellow-Stewardship

Mark R D Long - Rector
Peter Davies - Churchwarden
Lex Jackson - Stewardship Coordinator
Mary Verryn - Churchwarden

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