‘Stewardship – oh no; they’re after my money again’! 

When someone mentions ‘stewardship’, what do you think of – a shop steward, a bar steward, John Prescott- who once was a cruise-ship Steward before becoming an MP  or something completely different - as one of my favourite phrases goes ?

According to Google, stewardship has at least ten definitions, including someone; 

• who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others. 
• who has charge of the household of another, buying or obtaining food, directing the servants, etc. 
• an employee who has charge of the table, wine, servants, etc., in a club, restaurant, or the like…. 

 You get the picture ?  As a verb it is to act as a steward of…; to managing, husbanding (no sexist comment implied!) resources & includes service as the continuing goal.   

I’m Tony Cox, and Clive & the church wardens have asked me to take over as Stewardship co-ordinator, building on the past good work of John Sapwell.  

During this month – we are having a Stewardship focus on giving. Last Autumn, as you may recall , it was Time & Talents and yes this year, it is asking people to review their current financial resources and see what more they may be able to devote to the Parish, not just with regard to the church fabric and upkeep – though that is expensive enough  - but also to current and new projects including worship, music, socials, TRAX,  not forgetting outreach into the community and the wider church mission….

This is no ‘hard sell’ campaign, but posing questions for us all about our current and future lifestyle choices. We are all urged to be green these days, drive less walk more, better conserve the earth’s natural resources; this appeal – I see – as  entirely complimentary around our personal choices  …….. 

As the Archbishop of York says in a forward to a new booklet called The Money Revolution, ‘ … our spending & saving are lifestyle choices and reflect something about our values, principles & priorities.’  

For example, did you know (& I didn’t) until challenged by this new booklet that;

• An annual income of £5,000 places us in the richest 13.5% of the world’s population
• An annual income of £13,000 places us among the richest 1% of the world’s population

Of course not everyone will be able to give more at the present time, but giving does include current & future giving, not forgetting wills; estate & legacy planning….as compared with the Church’s challenging target to each of us to look to give 5% of our net income.

Enough said for the present, to be continued as they say!  let me conclude with some closing ‘quotable quotes’ that may resonate..;   

Billy Graham – ‘…we were given 2 hands; one to receive, but one to give’

Winston Churchill – ‘..we make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give’.  

I  look forward to discussing this Stewarship focus with you over the month of November and beyond !  If you have any comments, ideas or suggests – please let me know, I will welcome them….

Finally, yes, we are after additional  moneys (where possible) ….but we believe with good cause!

If you would like to take action now, here are 3 important documents that you can download and complete. Microsoft Word format. Just click the links - gift declaration bank mandate confidential giving letter 

Thank you - Yours sincerely

Tony Cox – 01342-327840