Giving for the Gospel

with Springwood & Winmalee Anglican Churches

Command those who are rich in this present world … to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.”
1 Tim. 6:17-19 (NIV)

FIVE WAYS TO INVEST IN GOSPEL MINISTRY AT S.W.A.C

1) Weekly Envelopes

These help members to follow the Bible principles of regularity and confidentiality in giving. Members receive a year’s supply of envelopes that enable them to be disciplined in giving each week.

2) Electronic or Credit Card Giving

Credit Cards Many of us now pay our bills, mortgages and purchases electronically or by card. This is an efficient and regular way of supporting our church ministry. It helps to make our volunteer treasurers’ work loads easier. Simple forms are available to facilitate Direct Debit giving.

Banking Details

Acct Name: Christ Church Springwood
Acct Number : 10061657
Bank: Commonwealth Bank, Springwood
BSB: 062 601

3) Special Once Off Gifts

From time to time our members wish to make special “one off” gifts. This may be as a result of a promotion, an inheritance, the desire to push forward a special church project, or simply to say thanks to God for His blessings.

To help with this, our Parish Council has selected some special projects that we believe are real priorities, but we cannot afford to budget for yet. In the past, some of our special funding projects have been:

Drum Kits ($3k),
Christ Church kitchen ($8k),
Tanzania Famine Relief ($21k),
Malawi Aid ($15k),
Ministry Centre ($810k),
2007 Youth Pastor ($25k),
Andrew Robinson ($18k pa),
and a 3^rd Parish house ($280k).

Our 2009, projects are

Ministry Centre A/C ($8k),
Thembalethu Homeless Ministry at Melville Union Church, in Johannesburg ($5k), and
Ministry Training Strategy $32,500.

Members may wish at any time to make a special gift to these type of projects which are on their hearts. Our wardens are very pleased to speak confidentially with members about their ideas.

4) Bequests

This is a way for members to give for the proclaiming the gospel of our Lord Jesus after they have gone to be with Him. This can be arranged simply by talking to our wardens who can provide the correct information for those wishing to include this in their wills. Recent bequests have been used for Ministry Centre purchase, Winmalee residence, Christ Church rectory & kitchen, Youth Pastor.

5) Ministry Training Strategy

Jamie Monk Jono Fox

In 2009, we are seeking supporters who will raise $32,000. This will fund scholarships for Jono & Jamie are our 23^rd trainees in this program to equip pastors, evangelists & missionaries. A more detailed brochure is available and you can become a MTS Supporter committing financially to and receiving regular updates and prayer points.

Former trainees are now church pastors, school teachers, children’s pastors, Youthworks staff, chaplains — all having an enhanced ministry thru their time with us.

Zac Miles Katie McSeveny Gillespie Tim McIver

6) Lower Mountains SRE in Government Schools Trust

Gifts for SRE books, bibles, and materials can be given tax deductibility by giving to LMSRET. MTS and staff ministry in schools can also be funded through the Trust. Maximise your giving $$’s by using the Trust Fund. Talk to our administrators or wardens for details.

WHAT DO WE SPEND IT ON ?

We are currently 10 weekly churches united in proclaiming Christ to the Blue Mountains community and the world.

2009 budget

ANNUAL BUDGET & MISSIONS

Muhindo Isesomo The Annual Budget is developed by our Parish Council by November each year and presented to our members for their consideration. We operate on a 50 week budget, with all our giving from 2 Mission Giving Sundays each year going to world missions. For 2009, our Parish Budget is $630,000.

Members are encouraged to generously and prayerful support missions. See our “Missions” brochure for details of our Church “Linked” or “Associate” Missionaries. From time to time we have special short term missionary projects as well.

OUR FINANCIAL POLICY

Four Bible principles shape our use of the money entrusted to our church.

1) God’s people financing the spread of God’s Word to God’s glory.

We do not seek financial support from non-church, non-Christian people. We do not wish to confuse our message or create barriers for them. We wish to give people the opportunity free of charge to hear the gospel of God’s free grace. We wish to avoid the impression many have that the church is “after their money”.

2) Gospel Priority

Our churches’ budget & ministries help to meet the physical and emotional needs of our members & the needy of our community. But Jesus said “man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God”. So we give the spiritual feeding of people with the Word of God top priority in the way we spend our church budget.

3) Invest For the Future

We have set a budget for growing people & ministries, believing that if we are faithful and strategic in our ministries then God will bless it by saving people and growing His family, enabling us to give & minister more! Romans 1:16

4) Thankful, Generous, Anonymous Giving

Some churches specify how much members should give. Some say 5%, 10 %, 20%! We do not. We urge members to give generously from grateful hearts, so that others may know Christ & grow in Him. Instead of “user pays”, we are Churches in Partnership deciding together where are the best opportunities to invest our money, time & personnel for the building of Jesus’ family (Matthew 16:18).