Church leaders have differing views on whether churches should consider using Lottery funding. Even where leaders would see gambling as wrong, some would argue that once Lottery funds become available then churches should not shy away from applying for them; others would argue that such funds are always ‘off limits’.
A 7-year-old injured boy, whose mother and young sister remain missing, receives treatment after strong earthquake on October 1, 2018 in Palu, Indonesia. (Photo by The Asahi Shimbun/The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images).
A powerful earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on 28 September and triggered a terrifying tsunami, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
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What were you taught about generosity when you were a child?
Growing up, we did not have much money, but my father – a carpenter – gave his time and skills to our elderly and poor neighbours.
As a visually impaired person, my husband, John, has often been the recipient of generous giving. He has benefitted from fund-raising activities and street collections, and has been the owner of four gorgeous guide dogs. He is extremely grateful to charities like Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, RNIB, Calibre (who send him audio books) and the BWBF who provide him with an internet radio.
But it’s important to him to be able to give too.
New rules which came into force on 1 August 2018 have widened the automatic disqualification regime for charities to include more grounds for disqualification and to cover senior managers as well as charity trustees.
Billy Graham once said that a person’s wallet was the truest statement of their theology. Even if only partially true, what churches say and do about money is always an important sign of what is valued.
My role in Stewardship is an interesting, but sometimes, a sad one. I am involved with churches (leaders, trustees and treasurers), with regulators (HMRC and the Charity Commission) and sometimes with the media.
Why can this be sad?
Before we can answer that question we have to agree on one key biblical principle: God owns it all. King David acknowledges this after he and his people have given generously for the building of the temple, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” 1 Chronicles 29:14.
Apparently, my neighbour thought I was a vandal when she heard me rooting around in our gated bin alley. I don’t know if she was reassured that I was entirely sane when I popped out of a rubbish bin with a cheery smile to say ‘Hello! Just doing a little cleaning!’
blogs by the Stewardship team and selected guest writers.
Stewardship is the operating name of Stewardship Services (UKET) Limited. Established in 1906.
Registered charity no. 234714, and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 90305.
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