Some of you may remember the open forum we had last year introducing our Grace, Gratitude and Generosity theme that we had been working on at the Council Day away in 2025. Thank you to all who attended. We apologise for not publicizing the results earlier.
Overall the results were encouraging. We had 28 responses. The first question was asking what people most value about St Ursula’s. Our core work of worship and fellowship were top responses.
The second question was
“Does my gratitude to God for all he has given me impact the giving of my time and resources and how? ”
There were 19 responses to this, with an overwelming yes. The impact is felt inside St Ursula’s as well as outside helping others. Some people are struggling themselves and felt unable to give more of themselves, or they need to negotiate with family members.
The third question was aimed at finding out how you decide where to give to, and how the Church fits into your giving, as well as why. There were 23 responses to this question. Giving to the church financially ranges from a small amount of what is available to a major amount. Many felt that giving of time and talents was as valuable as giving money. Motivations were very varied, although some struggled to discern our need. Below is a snapshot of comments.
The next question was asking about what an outsider, looking at your use of time, energy and resources, would be able to learn about your priorities. There were 18 responses, most acknowledging that an outsider would see the importance of God and Faith in their lives, as well as the importance of St Ursula’s. Some admitted that they work too hard, or don’t alway prioritise God as much as they should. A minority felt that an outsider would see someone trying to survive and pay back debits or recover from past events.
The final question asked for your vision of what it might look like if we were a more generous church.
There were 20 answers, the main ones related to growth, joy, financial stability, more community events or help, a youth worker and several wished for a pilgrimage together.
So what’s next?
As a church council we are pleased with the generally positive tone of the responses, whilst acknowledging that 28 responses are not very representative. However we are using the responses and the visions of what a more generous church might look like in our planning moving forward. At our council day away last week, the council discussed the responses and they fed into our work. There will be a special period in september and october when we will be informing everyone about the next phase in our Grace, Gratitude and Generosity work. We will also be giving consideration as to how to help also the members of our church family who are struggling either financially or in other ways.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Author: Sue HIgson