Giving
SupportAs you can imagine it is costly to About 90% of our income comes from the direct giving. The church could not function without this. Approximately 10% comes through lettings of the church premises. Zoar, like many local churches and charitable organizations, have been affected by the financial crisis and the increasing costs of living. GivingWhether you attend the church today or have done so in the past - if you believe in what the church is trying to do and want to support its life and mission, then perhaps you could consider offering a gift. This could be a one off gift - or it could be a regualar standing order. One off GiftCheques can be made direct to 'Zoar Methodist Church' and either posted through the church letter box or sent to the contact address. Standing OrderPerhaps you would like to make a regular weekly or monthly payment towards the church. A Standing Order is the easiest way.This can be arranged with your own bank or online if you do online banking. The church account is with Barclays and is called Zoar Methodist Church - (Sort Code - 20-27-17, Accout No - 90995347) However large or small - all gifts will be gratefully received. Gift AidIf you are a tax payer then you should be able to gift aid any donation you make. There is a simple form that needs to be completed which enables the church to claim an additional 25p for every £1.00 donated. Do contact us if you would life to gift aid your donation and we can get a form to you. Gift Aid really does make a big difference. For more information about Gift Aid then take a look at the Methodist Church Gift Aid Page. Giving is a very private matter and you can be assured that any contributions will be treated confidentially. Thank you. LegacyOne way we can help our local church is through If you would like to know more about any of the above then please contact us to either speak to the minister or our church treasurer. Biblical TeachingThere is no doubt that the level of giving varies from person to person. It remains a very private and personal thing - and rightly so. However that does not mean that we should not talk about it. Jesus talked very openly about giving. There is a story in Mark's gospel (Chapter 12) about an older lady who goes to the temple and places in the offering two very small coins - all she had to live on - while the rich people around her were placing in very large amounts of money (so that others noticed!) And Jesus commended the old lady. Why? Because she did not make a big fuss of giving - and she was the most generous of all. The others gave out of their wealth - but she gave out of her poverty. GenerosityJesus reminds us that it is not the amount that is most important - but the proportion (or percentage). This lady gave all that she had - the others had given but it hadn't really cost them anything. Being a disciple of Jesus affects every part of our lives - not just how we live - but how we give too. Christians recognise all that we have and all that we are are gifts from God - it is only right therefore that we give back to God that which he has given to us in the first place. Many expect the church to be there for them in their time of need - but this can only happen by people giving to its ministry. Churches can only exist if people give generously towards them.
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