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Encouraging Giving
The use of the term "Uniting Way to Give" is not just an idle play on words. At the heart of the Christian faith is the concept of common unity - community. The issues of life are best addressed not by individuals, not by charity (one giving to another in unequal relationship) but in justice, the sharing of issues and responsibilities. This way - a uniting way - is the essence of generosity.
The three key words on the front page of this site are carefully chosen too - live, give, love. To live fully is to discern and use the gifts we have been given. To give is to realise that these gifts are ours only by God's grace and that they must be shared. To love is to recognise that, in giving these gifts, I want others to grow spiritually with me, in unity. This is a Uniting Way to Give.
Most parts of scripture have something to say about generosity as a living sign of being in relationship with God. Many contemporary Christians may not find principles of giving - such as tithing – particularly helpful. Yet it is still true to say that our attitudes and acts of care toward one another’s physical and spiritual needs – acts of generosity - are undeniable measures of our growing humanity and the depth of our faith.
Like much of human behaviour, giving is not a natural, but a learnt response. In learning about and encouraging generosity the church’s purpose is the development of givers. It is not just a response to a need to raise funds. This approach is Christian stewardship in its truest sense. Giving is our response to the whole earth, the church and everything in it that God has given us to share. Our sharing reflects a faith in a God of abundance.
Giving is never one-dimensional. There are a multitude of ways to give of our time, our love, our strength and our spirit. This web-site reminds us there are also many ways in which we can give our money to specific needs in the world. We invite you to explore for yourself, the stories and the opportunities to come face-to-face with the task of the Church in mission. Not just to offer physical comfort in the ways of many worthwhile charitable agencies, but the meeting of spiritual need in a world searching for purpose.
We’re here to help
If you want to talk to a member of the Mission Participation Resource Unit about the encouragement of generosity or to arrange a speaker - please contact us.
