Christian Stewardship
Christian stewardship begins with the recognition that everything we have – our time, our talents and our money – is a gift from God to be used and offered back to him in service.
As members of Hampstead Parish Church, we share in its many and varied benefits – its worship and ministry, the magnificent building, its strong musical tradition, a broad and growing programme of activities for all ages, and its service to the community in which we live. As with any organisation to which we belong, this brings financial responsibility – alongside our responsibility to worship, to pray, to learn to care for one another, and to apply our Christian values to our work, our leisure and our politics.
Membership of our church does not involve the payment of a tax or a subscription; we are entirely dependent on the voluntary support of our members to continue our good work and, indeed, to build on it. Our church can only thrive with our collective support. We are asked to consider carefully what proportion of our time, talents and money should be offered to God for use through our church.
It costs about £400,000 a year to run the church. That is nearly £8,000 a week to ensure that:
- the Clergy and other staff are paid
- the building is properly maintained and heated
- the parish affairs are efficiently run
- our programme of activities continues to the highest standards, and
- we can support poorer parishes and give to charities at home and abroad.
We do not receive any financial support from the State.
Regular committed giving – by standing order – allows us to plan ahead. And, for UK tax payers, the most efficient way to give to the church is by Gift Aid.
To join the Giving Scheme, please complete a Banker’s Order Form and, if you are a UK taxpayer, please also complete a Gift Aid Declaration. Place your application in an envelope for the attention of the Stewardship Secretary.
For help or further information, please speak to the Vicar or one of the Churchwardens.
For up to date information on our charitable status, financial affairs and trustees please vist the Charity Commission website