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A giving church<br />
It’s in giving that we receive. That’s the irony that lies at the heart of the famous<br />
prayer of St Francis of Assisi (see page 19). We have found that at St Chad’s<br />
Church. In fact, over the years St Chad’s has quietly got on with its mission of<br />
reaching out with practical care in the name of Jesus Christ. More recently, new<br />
projects and ways of giving have been developing, relevant to life in 21st Century<br />
Sheffield. Allow me to highlight a few.<br />
Besom<br />
Besom in Sheffield is run out of St<br />
Chad’s, headed up by Steve Winks and<br />
team. It helps people to give - of their<br />
time, money or things. It provides a bridge between those who have and those who<br />
don’t. Referrals are usually from social workers, and every week the Besom Van is<br />
out and about delivering and giving. Besom is a great organisation.<br />
3rd Age<br />
This is a relatively new way of giving to the more elderly members of<br />
the community - often those who are housebound, or feel that people<br />
have forgotten them. From home visiting to providing all sorts of interest<br />
groups (including Over 50’s Club, Art Group, Walking Group and<br />
more), 3rd Age is providing an avenue for people to give to the elderly.<br />
Holiday Project<br />
For a number of years St Chad’s has run a Holiday Project, providing holidays for<br />
those in need who have not been able to go away for some time. It is a great way<br />
to give!<br />
Financial Giving<br />
St Chad’s Church is totally self-financing. It does not receive grants from any<br />
central funds and so is reliant on the giving of those connected with the church. We<br />
trust they get value for money!<br />
Some might ask why the people at St Chad’s choose to give as they do? The<br />
cynics would say it is to earn our way into heaven. Thing is, Jesus said that we can<br />
never earn God’s favour like that. No, we give as a response to God’s love, not to<br />
earn it. Giving as a response is how giving should be. We give as a way of saying<br />
‘Thank you’ - as we are thankful to God for him sending Jesus that very first Christmas,<br />
and we are grateful too for the experience of Christ’s presence and power in<br />
our lives today.<br />
Matthew Porter (Vicar - St Chad’s Church Sheffield)<br />
St Chads Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats<br />
email: office@stchads.org<br />
Church Offices: 15 Camping Lane, Sheffield S8 0GB Page 13 web site: stchads.org<br />
Tel: (0114) 274 5086
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