” At St Michael’s, we are privileged to be part of a vibrant, growing church. It’s encouraging to see the continued growth of our ministry and mission, both locally and overseas. Since last year’s Gift Day, we have 4 new Life Groups, a new Youth team, new Associate Vicar starting in January 2019 and much more besides, including a repaired Church Tower. Thank you to everyone who has given their time, money and prayer support in 2018. Our November “Gift Day” is a chance for us to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness and to renew our commitment to living generously. How will you give in 2019 to help deliver the vision of St Michael’s? With your support we will achieve our church’s vision and lay stronger foundations for the future. Thank you for your generosity. “
Revd Canon Simon Jones
Our Vision
St Michael’s, Stoke Gifford is a lively, growing Anglican Church. We share a vision of “living to make a difference” by being a “Christian heart at the centre of the community”.
Our Strategy
Discipleship: through Life Groups, Youth & Children’s groups, helping each of us grow in our friendship with Jesus.
Outreach: to creatively share the Good News of Jesus with others.
Serving the community: in a variety of ways that generate goodwill and community regeneration.
Our Investment in Ministry & Mission in 2018
Thanks to your generosity in giving your time and financial support in 2018, we have blessed many more people through evangelism and outreach.
We are thankful for our thriving ministry in Children’s, Youth and Student work; Alpha, Baptism, Marriage and Parenting Courses, Divorce Recovery Workshop; Men’s Ministry, Singleness Ministry; Over 65s; Pastoral Presence, Coffee Shop and Community Events.
Our Future
We have a vision for growth of our congregations and our community outreach. We require faith, boldness and generosity in our giving according to our circumstances. By God’s grace and our commitment we will have the resources to take hold of these opportunities.
In 2019, we’d like to increase outreach in our New Housing Areas, develop being a regional resource church and strengthen Discipleship, Outreach and Serving the Community through even more Life Groups.
Our Financial Target for 2019
In 2018, we have been blessed to receive generous lump sum gifts in addition to regular donations.
In 2019, we’d like to increase our regular monthly giving to meet our regular monthly expenditure.
We’d like to encourage everyone to join in our journey of generosity.
Together we can raise the additional £5000 per month (£60K p.a.) in regular giving required to pay for our exciting Ministry and Mission plans.
Our Giving
Our parish relies on the generous financial support from those who attend St. Michael’s. Giving and gratitude go together and we give out of gratitude for what we receive from God.
‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’ 2 Cor 9:7
Our Challenge
Many of us faithfully and sacrificially give, even in difficult financial circumstances, to support the work of God and this Parish.
If you live in a household which is not yet contributing financially to God’s work at St. Michael’s, please prayerfully consider how you can change that.
‘Each one of us should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.’ 1Peter 4:10
Our Response
If you are not yet a regular giver to the Church, please pray about starting regular, planned giving.
If you are an existing regular giver, please prayerfully consider increasing your gift.
If you receive a windfall gift, for example, a bonus or inheritance, please consider making a lump sum gift to St Michael’s
If you are a tax payer, please take advantage of Gift Aid by signing a declaration form. This will mean an extra 25p on every £1 you give.
Our Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of life, love and your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to be generous in return, and support our Parish as it seeks to serve you and proclaim the Gospel afresh to each generation.
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God’. Philippians 4.6
If you would like to talk to someone in confidence about giving please speak with Alison Volkmer or Rob Farrell.
Alison Volkmer – Financial Controller
Rob Farrell – Treasurer St Michael’s PCC