It is undeniable that in recent years, both locally and nationally, we have been talking increasingly about money.
At the same time we recognise that over many centuries, Christians have responded to the call of faith by living generously – firm in the knowledge that giving, whether it be ministering to the poor, supporting the ministry of the Church, or giving to charitable causes – is the inescapable response to a trusting faith in our generous God.
One response to the need to talk about generosity has been to view this through the lens of stewardship – the responsible management of God’s gifts to us. This is a worthwhile approach and yet there is an alternative which may be more fruitful; this is to learn to live generously, to live ‘in tune’ with God, as Christ did.
God has given us a choice – we can choose to be self-reliant, self-sufficient – a choice which distances us from God – or we can choose to be God-reliant, choose to trust God and grow closer to Him.
There are practical steps we can take to live faithfully and generously as ‘people of God’ (1 Peter 2:10). We hope you will find here resources that will help your parishes/churches to encourage faithful generosity – a generosity towards God and neighbour that help us to grow in the knowledge of God, grow in the understanding that generosity is fundamental to our faith and trust in Him whose immeasurable love for us is our Salvation.
Resources for Parishes
Faith and Generosity Resource
Sherborne with Pamber reflects on their journey towards growing a generous culture within their parish. They were able to grow their finances to sustain their practical needs. They also recognised the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God through the process.
Faith & Generosity Worship Resource
Worship resources to use as a programme over four consecutive weeks, or independently.
Faith and Generosity Parish Resource
A resource which examines some of the practical steps we can take as churches and parishes to live faithfully and generously as ‘people of God’ (1 Peter 2:10).
Reflections
‘Home grown’ video reflections will be available shortly. Meanwhile, the ‘Living Generously’ video reflections below from the national Church provide a rich resource for use in varied worship and study settings.
In this eight session course, Director of Giving, Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood, explores the simple, powerful moment in which Mary, a friend and follower of Jesus, displays the kind of astonishing generosity God Himself pours out on us. The wonder of the gospel is that this can be our story too as we discover the freedom of living generously.