Firstfruits

In 2009 we are introducing a day into our church calendar, which we will call Firstfruits Sunday. We read in the Bible that at harvest the people were urged to offer the firstfruits to God in recognition that the whole harvest came from him. Firstfruits were also offered in faith that God would supply the rest of the harvest. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the ‘firstfruits’ of those who had died. Jesus’ resurrection is the promise of the rest of the harvest – our own resurrection.

Firstfruits Sunday is our opportunity to offer ‘the first and the best’ to God.

We have published a booket Firstfruits 2009, explaining in detail how this will all work. Firstfruits Sunday in 2009 will be on Sunday 1 March.

How to Give

There are several methods used by church members to financially support the work of St Nic’s in a planned way.

Bank Standing Order: This is the most convenient way of supporting the church for many people. After submitting a Standing Order instruction your donations are transferred automatically from your bank account to the Church’s account. You may give monthly, quarterly, or annually. Tax is usually reclaimed by the recipient through the Gift Aid scheme.
Charity Vouchers: These, from the Charities Aid Foundation or Stewardship can be a convenient way to give to a range of charities. You set up a special account into which you make regular payments and use the vouchers issued to make payments to charities of your choice. Reclaimed tax is added to the balance of the account.
Give As You Earn (GAYE): Some companies operate a payroll giving scheme known as Give As You Earn. Donations are taken before tax, which means it is an especially tax-efficient way to give for higher-rate tax payers (because there is no need to claim the higher-rate tax back separately as you would with Gift Aid). Some companies will even add a certain percentage to your contribution. Contact your payroll department for more details.
Single Gifts: One-off gifts can be made to the church at any time by cash or cheque payable to “St Nicholas’ Church PCC”. Please place your gift with the offering in an envelope (available at the back of church) and enclose a Gift Aid declaration if you pay tax.

Gift Aid – Questions and Answers>>>