April 2013

In 2014 we plan to approach the funding of our mission in a different way. Instead of each Deanery being allocated an amount of parish share it must pay, from 2014 all parishes will be invited to make a free will offering to the Common Fund. FREEWILL OFFERINGS

It’s about growing in  Christ-likeness  Commitment  Partnership  Influence  Numbers FREEWILL OFFERINGS

What we are looking at is a deep and renewed commitment to being Christ’s disciples and doing God’s work. FREEWILL OFFERINGS

 What are we here for? IDEAL OUTPUTS FROM TODAY

 What are we here for?  Gathering the wisdom of the people IDEAL OUTPUTS FROM TODAY

 What are we here for?  Gathering the wisdom of the people  Presenting a draft toolkit in the hope that we can build on this with the benefit of your wisdom, experience, expertise and patience. IDEAL OUTPUTS FROM TODAY

 To check that everyone is clear about the reasons for change. OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

 To check that there is buy in to the broad principles of the way forward OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

 To check that everyone is clear about the reasons for change.  To check that there is buy in to the broad principles of the way forward  To commit ourselves, on this basis, to making it work! OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

 To remind ourselves that the majority did pay full share. In 2012:  Nearly 70% paid 100% (72% in 2011)  Nearly 74% paid 90% or more (75.6% in 2011)  81% paid 75% or more (83.6% in 2011). OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

 To acknowledge that this is a year of learning for all of us.  To acknowledge that this is a year of learning for all of us. OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

 To work through the questions on the agenda and address all other questions and concerns.  To work through the questions on the agenda and address all other questions and concerns. OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

 To acknowledge that this is a year of learning for all of us.  To acknowledge that this is a year of learning for all of us.  To work through the questions on the agenda and address all other questions and concerns.  To work through the questions on the agenda and address all other questions and concerns.  To ensure that everyone goes home feeling ownership and control of the process. OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES

 The first “Generous Churches Making and Nurturing Disciples” leaflet  “Generous Churches Making and Nurturing Disciples - Autumn 2012 update”  A booklet of “Supporting Notes”  Growth Resources - help for churches to examine how they are growing in our five areas, and how they could grow  Sermon notes on Five Marks of Growing. RESOURCESRESOURCES

 Ten meetings across the Diocese, attended by 1000 people  The ‘Freewill Offerings to the Common Fund’ leaflet from January 2013  The ‘Being Generous Churches’ video RESOURCESRESOURCES

 A DVD explaining where PCCs’ money and the Common Fund goes.  Help on stewardship and parish giving.  A booklet explaining what your money pays for in the Diocese, what the Common Fund is, and how to make an offer.  Data sheets with information specific to parishes  Offerings Form – for parishes to send their offer to the office. TOOLKITTOOLKIT

 The data sheets are specific and tailored to each PCC  The information included on them is based on what we have available at Diocesan House and on Annual Returns for Membership and Finance that we have received. DATA SHEET

 16+ attendance  Parish income – restricted/ unrestricted  Parish Share – requested for 2013, received for previous years  All in the context of the deanery and diocese  A generic paragraph on deployment – because there are so many variations in the Diocesan reality  A snapshot of deprivation statistics for your deanery DATA SHEET

 What works?  What doesn’t work?  What needs to be added in?  Who needs a copy of these materials in each parish, and what is the best way to reach them?  What else do you need to be able to deliver Freewill Offerings messages?  What’s our best route for pursuing late returners?  Together, how can we best manage the inevitable risks involved? TOOLKITTOOLKIT