You are invited to support our work
Our shared responsibility for the congregation’s life, financial and otherwise, is called “stewardship.” Anyone who wishes to support the work of Britannia United Church is invited to make a gift in any amount. Members and adherents (those who attend regularly without formally joining the congregation) are asked for their financial support to the extent that they are able. Stewardship is a personal decision for each individual.
Your gift can support the ongoing work of Britannia United Church
Britannia United Church receives donations from its members and other supporters to create and maintain a wide variety of programs and services within the community. These include:
weekly worship services
book studies, lectionary groups (Bible study), film nights and other adult education opportunities as well as Sunday School for children and youth, and retreats for all age groups
full music program, including senior & junior choirs, Gospel choir and special concert events
various outreach activities
You gift can be directed to a specific purpose
Any of the following funds, which are separate from our operating budget, could benefit from your gift in support of several distinct aspects of our work. To direct your gift, please indicate your chosen fund(s) clearly on the “memo” line of your cheque and/or on the outside of your givings envelope.
Benevolent Fund: This fund is administered by the Minister for special needs in the community, particularly within the congregation
Special funds: From time to time, Britannia United Church establishes a special fund in order to provide relief for a particular emergency. Assistance has been sent round the world, most recently to South Asia Tsunami Relief Fund and Help Lesotho Fund.
Mission & Service: Fund of the United Church of Canada: …. as shown in the paragraphs below
Britannia United Church Capital Fund: The Capital Fund receives major gifts to the church, mainly in the form of bequests from people’s estates. The Fund’s portfolio contains stocks, bonds and fixed income investments selected for corporate ethics and responsibility. Contributions may also be held in reserve to meet future major property expenditures.
Estate Planning:
We invite all of our supporters to remember Britannia United Church in their will. You can also benefit both yourself and the church through insurance policies, annuities and other Planned Giving instruments. For more information, call the United Church of Canada Department of Stewardship Services at toll-free 1-800-465-3771 or see the church’s directory of regional Gift Planning Consultants for the consultant in your area.
The Mission & Service Fund of the United Church of Canada
Britannia United Church makes an annual commitment to support the work of the national United Church through its Mission & Service Fund. The Mission & Service Fund supports numerous activities in Canada and around the world, ranging from humanitarian intervention in natural disasters to helping new congregations get established. International assistance is offered in partnership with local churches. Complete details on the Mission & Service Fund are available on the United Church of Canada website.
You can direct a portion of your Britannia United Church gift to the Mission & Service Fund, or you can donate to the Fund directly through the United Church of Canada.
Considering what level of giving is appropriate for you
You might be interested to know that the United Church of Canada encourages the idea of tithing – giving 10% of our income to God’s work. This may be done by donating 5% to the church and 5% to other causes you wish to support.
How to participate in the stewardship of Britannia United Church
A freewill offering is taken up each Sunday in church. You may make a “loose” offering, or use one of the envelopes provided in the pews to give us your name and address, so that we can issue a charitable donation receipt for income tax purposes. We issue charitable donation receipts for all gifts over $10.
We are happy to provide personalized donation envelopes to regular attendees, one for each week. Personalized envelopes are not printed with your name, but rather with a number, so that your privacy is maintained, but we can still easily issue you a charitable donation receipt. Please contact Verne Bruce through the church office to order your envelopes. There is no charge, though recipients are invited to make a donation, if they wish, to cover the cost.
You are also welcome to send your gift by mail.
We encourage all of our supporters to use Pre-Authorized Remittance (“PAR”). You can set up a regular monthly withdrawal from your bank account in the church’s favour. There is no cost to you for using this service, and you can alter the amount of your gift at any time by contacting the church office. PAR giving ensures that even when you are unable to attend on Sunday, your support of Britannia United Church’s work continues. Please contact Verne Bruce through the church office to receive a brochure on PAR, or to start donating by this method.
All of our supporters are invited to make an annual pledge to support the work of Britannia United Church during our fall Stewardship Campaign. Your annual pledge helps the Finance Committee to plan the church’s annual budget.
