In my view, there is nothing more beautiful than a community united by generosity.
Many acts of generosity are an intensely personal affair. We grapple with our personal values, motivations and causes to care about, and then go through the practicalities of showing generosity. This is vital discipleship work for Christians.
But a recent experience has taught me something about the joyful, snowballing impact of a community in love with being generous.
In 2024, Great Ayton Methodist Church and Easby Chapel adopted the charity I work for, Fund for Human Need, as their annual charity. From the very start, their generous and outward-looking community spirit shone through.
These are people who rejoice in what they can do for others and they proved it by raising an incredible £9,600 over the year. Even more inspiring was that they did it by having fun and by drawing their whole community closer together.
The entire church family played their part by organising, helping and supporting a wonderful mix of events. There were quizzes, film nights, coffee mornings, lunches and teas that brought all ages together. Each occasion was planned to be open, welcoming and full of joy. A stand at a local community hub and an agricultural show helped spread the word even further, while a brass band concert in the next town invited new friends to join the fun.
Groups who use the church buildings also took part by hosting sales of work and other creative fundraisers. Some members even opened their homes for barbecues and social gatherings. Through sunshine and showers alike, their generosity of spirit never wavered. Every event was infused with laughter, togetherness, and a shared purpose to make a difference.
And what a difference they made. By donating the money they raised to the Fund for Human Need, they have extended that same sense of community, compassion and hope across the UK. Thanks to their support, we have been able to offer small but vital cash grants to help more than 100 individuals and families overcome their immediate challenges. Thanks to this community, each had one less worry to face.
Fun, friendship and faith in action – what a wonderful example of what communities can achieve together! What could you begin in your church, neighbourhood or workplace?
Gill Mason
Admin Assistant, Fund for Human Need
Reflect
‘How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”’
Romans 10:14-15
Pray
- Pray that your message today would meet someone right where they are, with just the words they need.
- Ask God to help you be brave in sharing His good news through small, creative acts.
- Thank Him that He can use even chalk or sticky notes to bring His love into someone’s day.
Act
A generosity challenge for you to complete today:
| Grab some pavement chalk – or sticky notes if you're indoors – and write simple, encouraging messages in public spaces: ‘You matter to God’, ‘There is always good news’ or ‘You are dearly loved.’As Holy Week unfolds, you could even share a word of Easter hope. You never know who needs to read it today. |
About Fund for Human Need
Founded in 1960 by Methodists who sought to live out Jesus’ call to help the poorest and most vulnerable, Fund for Human Need is run by volunteers.
It provides small, one-off grants to people in desperate situations – including the homeless, asylum seekers, ex-prisoners and those facing hunger, ill health or relationship breakdown.
