Sharing God's gifts

St.Andrew's Church Paddock Wood is home to a vibrant community which benefits from both financial and physical support from its congregation. Those who support us by giving of their time, their tithe or their talent are able to grow and provide a fantastic resource for the whole community. To enable the church to be at the heart of the community and to increase our ability to support a wide range of people and organisations we welcome financial contributions no matter how small. All of this support is fundamental to ensuring that St.Andrew's Paddock Wood remains at the heart of the community.

Time
In this hectic world we live in our time has become increasingly precious, which is why it is important that we stop and make sure we use it wisely. Giving an hour or two to help and support others enables you to take a break from the day to day and grow and realise the pleasure and reward the gift of giving can bring.

Tithe
The bible teaches us that all the gifts that we are blessed with come from God and in our daily lives we strive to appreciate them and live generously and responsibly. The principal of tithe is shown to us in the bible and the church follows this example by giving 10% of our income to missionary societies and local groups to support their work. In the same way we reach out to you to our members to ask for financial support however large or small.
There are a number of ways in which members can support the work of the church with financial contributions.
Regular giving is the easiest and most efficient way in which members can help the continual work of the church. We have weekly and monthly envelope schemes. We also have a scheme which enables members to take out a regular standing order with the bank ensuring that all contributions go to the work of the church.
For those who are tax payers these schemes also enable us to reclaim an additional 22% from the Treasury by way of the Gift Aid. All we need is a signature and as a registered charity in England (number 1137783) we are able to help people maximise on their contributions. This enables us to ensure that our members' generosity goes even further to help other less fortunate than ourselves.

Talent
We all have talents and gifts given to us by God, which we can develop and enjoy throughout our lives. We have an opportunity to use these talents to enhance the ministry of the church. Practical skills or an ability to listen are as important as musicality or leadership. You may enjoy working with the young people of the parish or helping the elderly. Whatever you can do to help, however small, is welcomed and will improve the lives of those around us and in turn will enrich your own life. This can be as simple as offering to drive someone to a hospital appointment or helping regularly at one of the many groups that make up the vibrant community of St.Andrew's Church.

"All good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above then thank the Lord,
thank the Lord for all his love"