Responding to God’s grace

Author: Mr Robert Culyer

Published on: 24 May 2022

We only have to look at the Diocese of Norwich Parish Share figures to see that our parishes are full of the most generous people.

I think we have to also acknowledge that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Not only are our church communities generous financially but also with their time and talents. As I travel across our diocese I hear the most amazing stories about what you are doing in your parishes to keep our parishes running smoothly. I get a really warm reassuring feeling that all this is done for a true love of God and their church and most people are doing this without recognition or a grumble. Interestingly you can feel it when you go into the church. With this positive attitude nothing seems a chore but a pleasure to do.

One of the bedrocks of our church is the way that we as individuals respond to God’s generosity to us and as I previously said this is very evident. Despite all of this we must not become complacent and I hope that you will agree that every so often it is good to look and review how we do things in our parish. The simplest of changes can make a vast difference. I would like to recommend that you have a look at a national resource about running a generosity week.

The Generosity Toolkit is a resource for your PCC to meet and reflect on your shared experience of generosity in the life of your church. By working through the toolkit, you will look in depth at what generosity is, consider what you are already doing well, and where you could improve and grow.

Giving should be wholly integrated within Christian life-in our following of Jesus, and our desire and calling to be Christ-like. Generosity is a hallmark of a livedout faith and a testament to it. Have a look at the resources. You might want to use some, all or none. You choose.

The Generous Giving team would love to support you if you are interested in running a Generous Giving week around Harvest (or any other time) in your parish. The resources can be found at www.DofN.org/generosity


The author...

Mr Robert Culyer

Generous Giving Adviser Officer

This article is from...

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