Finance and Giving

Did you know that there are 2,300 verses in the bible about money, wealth and possessions?  Much of Jesus' teaching and 11 of his 39 parables are about money.  He spoke about it so much because it was important to him - we can become its "slave" rather than its "master".  But God's call on our use of money is the same as his call on every other aspect of our lives as Christians.  We should live generously and ensure that our spending and investing are consistent with our values as Christians.

Where does the money come from?

The Bridges Group of Parishes receives no central funding - everything we do depends on the generosity of our congregation and friends.  We receive our income from regular giving, special services, fees, gift aid and fundraising.

We aim to follow the biblical principle of tithing and support other charities doing God’s work elsewhere (for example the the local Fosse Foodbank, the Carriers of Hope who work with refugees in Coventry, the Farming Community Network and Embrace the Middle East).

We want to see God’s Kingdom come right here in south-east Warwickshire. We don’t ask anyone to give more than they can afford, but we do need everyone to give generously of what they can; only then can we continue to serve God as we do, and take hold of the new opportunities he provides.

How can I give?

Donating with Gift Aid means that we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give.  It will not cost you any extra but you will need to give us some additional information when you make your donation.

Standing Orders:

For regular gifts, please complete a standing order form.  Forms are available at the back of each Church or from the parish treasurer or churchwarden.  The bank section needs to be completed by you and sent direct to your bank.

If you are able to gift aid your donation, please complete and return that part of the form to our Gift Aid Administrator (details are on the form).  You can also put it on the collection plate at church or hand it to the parish treasurer or churchwarden in an envelope. 

Cash and cheques:

For one-off donations, if we can claim gift aid on it, please use the envelopes in the pews and place them on the collection plate.  Please remember to complete the envelope with your name, postcode and signature.  And ask locally about how cheques should be made payable.  Some of our churches display a QR code which allows you to make a bank transfer via your smartphone.

Legacy Giving:

You might like to consider including your local parish church in your will. See www.churchlegacy.org.uk for some useful advice.

How is the money spent?

We need to find nearly £6,500 per month just to keep the church going – to cover salaries, mission and ministry expenses, running costs such as utilities and insurance, general maintenance of buildings and churchyards, and our contribution to the Diocese.

For special projects, we need to raise money through extra fundraising and grant applications.

Other information

Please contact our Group Administrator for any other information.