Our Stewardship

Giving is a fundamental concept of the Christian faith: God’s giving of his Son, and the Son’s giving of his life for the world. The Sacrament of the love of God is celebrated here at St Giles’ for our life and the life of the world; and at its heart are the words that proclaim the self-giving of God. We in turn are called to a life of generous giving – of our time, our skills and our money.

We ask you to reflect and pray as you consider your giving.  If you are already making regular donations and your finances allow it, perhaps you may give more.  

Harvest Letter 2020

As in previous years, we’re writing to all the members of the St Giles’ community whose names appear on the Electoral Roll or who are a Friend of St Giles'. We’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to the church over the past year, whether financially or practically. A special word of thanks goes to those who were able to continue their support by standing order while the church was closed because of Covid-19. The generosity of all our donors has played an indispensable role in maintaining our shared heritage, our ministry and our role in the wider community.

Heritage: a church has stood on this site for over 1,000 years. The current Grade 1 listed building, much of which dates back to the fifteenth century, is one of the few medieval churches to survive both the Fire of London and the Blitz. Over the past year, the installation of a new lighting system has allowed the beauty of the building to be displayed to its full effect. The old pews (not original to the building) are being replaced with new benches and chairs that will provide more comfortable and flexible seating. However, like all heritage buildings, St Giles’ needs regular maintenance and investment to keep it secure and to meet modern standards.

Worship: We are here to love God and to make Christ known in work and deed. Although the church building was closed until June, prayers continued to be said and candles lit in it each day. The collective worshipping life of the church was kept alive by services broadcast via the church’s YouTube channel. Since the re-opening of the church for Sunday services in July, we have again been able to gather to welcome both regular worshippers and visitors. The generous giving of our regular donors has helped support our professional musicians at a time when other churches have been unable to do so. 

Community: before the lockdown, the church continued to provide a well-established and much loved venue for concerts, as well as community events such as the Advent Fair and the ever-popular book fairs. Following the re-opening of the church, August’s book fair provided a welcome opportunity for local residents to experience once again a community event held in the real world rather than online. The size of the church and the fine acoustic makes it a safe and attractive rehearsal and recording space for top-flight musicians, including the London Mozart Players and other performers.

St Giles’ is an active, inclusive church. Your help has enabled it to continue its work during a very difficult period and we are immensely grateful for whatever you have been able to give over the past year.

If you are in a position to make a new or increased donation to St Giles’, you will find details overleaf of ways to give and how to ensure that your gift benefits from gift aid. Any amount you are able to give will help to support the work of St Giles’ and the maintenance of an outstanding building in the heart of the Barbican.

With all good wishes to you at this Harvest time

Susan Royce, Catherine Urquhart and Malcolm Waters

Stewardship Committee

If you would like to speak to someone about giving to the church please speak to any member of the Stewardship Committee, whose contact details can be obtained from the Parish Office (tel: 020 7638 1997; email admin@stgileschurch.com) 

Standing Order

This is our preferred way for you to give, and the Stewardship Committee’s target is to increase the number of people paying by Standing Order by 15%.

By knowing what is coming in regularly, outgoings can be met more easily, with bills paid and improvements planned with confidence.

Please set up a Standing Order if you possibly can (if you haven’t already done so). You can set up a Standing Order using online banking (see below SO form for bank details) or use a Standing Order form available from the church parish office or downlodable below.

If you have an existing Standing Order, as the costs of keeping St Giles’ open and running only go upwards, we urge you to increase your giving if you can.

Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer your donations may be eligible for Gift Aid, whereby for every £1 you give us, we can reclaim 25p from the tax you have paid. And it doesn’t cost you a penny. All you have to do is fill in a Gift Aid declaration form, available in church, from the parish office or via our website.

Online donations

You can also give to St Giles online via www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20099707.  St Giles will receive the full amount of your donation and your donation can be gift aided at the same time.

Wills

Please consider making a bequest to St Giles’ Cripplegate in your will. We will use legacies to fund significant projects in the Parish. Since circumstances change over the years, you are encouraged to leave a legacy for the general purposes of the Parish.

ALL FINANCIAL INFORMATION YOU GIVE US IS TREATED IN CONFIDENCE