Mone 3 ’ ' ° ST. PETER’S, BRIDGE and y Let S It Stralght ST. MARY’S, PATRIXBOURNE People often think that Christian Stewardship is merely a fund—raising exercise but in fact Steward- ship and Fund-raising are two very different things, both of which have their place in the life of the Church. Stewardship asks us to take the claims of Christ more seriously in every department of our life, including our money, and a Stewardship Campaign is therefore addressed to the regular . worshipping members of our churches. From tim. to time, however, a particular financial crisis faces a church and on these occasions a Fund—raising ‘ Appeal is often addressed not only to the regular worshipping community but also to everyone who lives in the parish, whether or not they are members of the congregation and it is the intention to launch such an appeal for the Bridge Restoration. Fund at an appropriate time in the future. Money is a God-given medium of exchange, X‘ essential to life. It is also necessary to the proper functioning of the Church. It is only a dirty word if we hoard it for its own sake. As a thank-offering for our wealth (be it large or small, and which we get by employing our God-given talents) we are encouraged to set aside a regular amount for our spiritual health, but also to help meet the Church’s running costs. (2 We invite you to examine your finances and ) ecide upon a figure that can safely be your regular — giving to the Church. Don’t aim too high, at the same time be realistic both concerning your financial standing and the degree of your gratitude to God. Once you have pledged, no further cash will be asked of you in church collections. I money 0 Stewardship means giving back to God of your time, talents and money 0 Stewardship means giving back to God of your time, talents and money 0 Stewardship means giving back to God of your time, talents and money 0 SI The Primary aim of a Christian Stewardship Campaign is to strengthen the life of the Church (people, not places) by strengthening the spiritual life of each member. The Church is made up of individuals, so the well—being of each is high on the list of priorities where the campaign details are concerned. We are not out for easy money, nor is it our aim to cash in on some cheap labour, but to make the Church what Christ its founder meant it to be — community of men and women intent on living a full life based on the two-fold Christian law that Christ summed up in the commands, love God and love one another. This leaflet is designed to show how the practice of Christian Stewardship can help you contribute towards the well—being of the Church (people and places) as you deepen your own personal commitment to God and share in the warmth of a caring fellowship within the family of the Church. We are convinced our church-life will be greatly enhanced by adopting the principles of Christian Stewardship and we hope you share our conviction enough to give the campaign your wholehearted support. ) fig?“ J Chairman, Stewardship Campaign Time: Time is an illusive commodity, and once we have done a day’s work and attended to our bodily needs there is not a lot of it left. Who can blame us if we feel like the couple in the picture, and grab what remains of our time for ourselves? But if it wasn’t for God we would not have any time, so we ought to find him a slot in our already over-burdened schedules. We can do this by going to church to worship him, which is man- kind’s chief end. 0 serving our fellows, for we all need a neighbour. 0 giving a hand with the upkeep of the church building. Where would we be without it? We can all do something to help . . . We all have at least one skill or aptitude which may earn us our living or keep us amused. God gave that talent, and we ought to thank him for it by using it in his service. One way is to put it at the local church’s disposal, according to the time available to us. The accompanying list has some suggestions. If your talent is not there talk the matter over whe your visitor calls, otherwise mark the list where you ’ would like to help the church in its work: which is God’s work. ack to God of your time, talents and money 0 Stewardship means giving back to God of your time, talents and money 0 Stewardship means giving back to God of your time, talents and money 0 Stewardship means giving back to God La .Lu... I-«CM a» s THE PARISH OF BRIDGE WITH PATRIXBOURN E 1' The Unity of Time—Talents—Money T me of the most satisfying things in life is to know 1at your talents and efforts are being used in ways 'hich express your beliefs, benefit people, and are ppreciated. As a Christian there are many such ways in which nu can help your church to continue and broaden s vital work in our Parish and contribute to the ell-being of our community. Whilst money is important it is only a means to an id and everyone can also offer some of their time 1d talents. John Milton comforted himself when : wrote, “They also serve who only stand and ait” — obviously nobody would ask him to serve, though he was ready and willing. We are asking you if you would be willing to ‘fer some of your time and talents. If you are, auld you tick the appropriate box/es‘ on the verse of this paper? g\ n u o I u I H I I I o o o o o o o o o ¢ o o o o o o o o o o n u n I a o I. No..' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Please fill in your name and address above Are you Would already you doing it? like to? Choir singing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Altar server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church cleaning and brassware . . . . . . . . . Churchyard maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grass cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Small repairs to and maintenance of the churches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Painting/decorating of the churches . . . . . Needlework and repair to vestments etc. . . Typing (occasional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poster design/publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution of Parish Magazine . . . . . . . Help to organise church social and fund raising efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Collecting for Church charities . . . . . . . . . Visiting/ helping at The Close . . . . . . . . . . . Belfry maintenance/clock winding . . . . . . DDDDD DDDDDD DDDDDD DDDDD DDDDDD DDDDDD Act as a church guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .' . . . Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated. If you do not already take the Parish Magazine would you like to receive it on a regular basis? U