Giving to Westminster@One
NEW: DOWNLOAD WESTMINSTER@ONE GIVING FORM
NEW: Listen to the “Giving to Westminster@One” talk (Feb 2006)
Why give?
a) In reaction to God's grace
God has lavished His love on sinful and unworthy people like us, in the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Having received such undeserved generosity we should be motivated to give abundantly in response. When we see needs we are to be like God – ready, not reluctant givers, for God loves a cheerful giver.
b) In recognition of God's gifts
Giving is not limited to financial giving. God has given us all we need to give generously, but not all of us can give financially. God wants us to be generous not just with our money but with our time, energy, skills, property and homes. If we have received God’s abundant grace then we all have something to give generously. Sometimes these other things are harder to give than money.
c) In response to needs and priorities
Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians to give generously to a collection for other Christians in great poverty. As members of God’s family our primary responsibility is to give towards the needs of the Christian family. The needs may be local (e.g. the ministry at Westminster ) or further afield (in the UK or abroad). Wherever they are, God’s people should come first in our giving: those who teach the word of God (1 Tim 5:17 ); those in need in our church (James 1:27 , 1 Tim 5:8); those in need in other churches (2 Cor 8-9).
How much? (a Biblical perspective)
a) Abundantly
Paul stresses the lavish nature of God’s giving toward us so that we may give bountifully in response. The Old Testament commanded a tithe (10% of income). The New Testament is far more radical: we are to be generous givers of all we have. Some will give far more than 10% of their income, others far less.
b) Thoughtfully
Each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give. We need to think carefully about what resources we have been given, what our responsibilities are and how we can give money in the most effective way.
c) Joyfully
God loves a cheerful giver. It’s easy to give for the wrong reasons – to relieve our guilt, to avoid other avenues of Christian service, to be seen to be generous by others. Paul tells us that God loves a joyful and big-hearted response to all that he has lavished on us.
Each man should give what he has decided to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ( 2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
Frequently asked questions
How do I give tax efficiently?
If you pay tax in the UK please tick the box alongside the Gift Aid Declaration on either the Giving Form or the Standing Order Form (see link above & print form). This will increase the value of your donation because we can claim the tax back. There is no minimum amount or minimum duration.
How do I make regular donations?
Regular giving is an enormous help to us in our planning and it also saves effort for the giver. If you would like to make monthly donations to Westminster@One, please complete one of the Standing Order forms and return it to the Treasurer (address below). We will then notify your instructions to your bank. NB. You can cancel a standing order at any time and so you don’t need to worry about a future change in circumstances.
How do I make a single donation to the work?
Please make your cheques or charity vouchers payable to “Dundonald Church Charitable Trust” and post them to the Treasurer.
How do I increase or decrease my giving?
If you are giving by standing order, then you can change your giving by contacting your bank directly (this is very easy if you have internet banking) or by completing and sending to us a brand new standing order form together with a note to inform us that it supersedes your previous instructions.
What if I pay higher rate tax?
Westminster@One is only able to reclaim tax at the basic rate. However, you can claim additional tax relief (currently 12%) by declaring your tax efficient giving on your Tax Return.
Why am I giving to Dundonald Church Charitable Trust?
Westminster@One is a ministry of Dundonald Church Charitable Trust and is not a registered charity in its own right. Therefore, to take advantage of the Gift Aid scheme and the benefits of tax-efficient giving, donations to the Westminster@One work must be paid to Dundonald Church Charitable Trust, which is a registered charity (Charity no. 1139922).
For further information, please contact...
The Treasurer, Dundonald Church Charitable Trust,
577 Kingston Road, London SW20 8SA
T. 020 8543 4411 or by email.