In only a few weeks since the Giving in Grace stewardship campaign was launched, over £5.5k a year has been raised through standing orders.

This significant sum means that, when Gift Aid is added, the campaign is already over a quarter of the way to meeting the ambitious but realistic target of £20k a year from standing orders.

'Giving in Grace' is a stewardship programme created by the Liverpool diocese of the Church of England. It invites the congregation and, where appropriate, the wider community to increase their giving to the Holy Trinity, whilst at the same time thinking about why they give, and how giving can have an impact.

The Vicar of Holy Trinity, the Rev Canon Dr Neal Barnes, said: “The support shown this early on is astounding. It is a great start and I would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of the church.”

A stewardship campaign is just one way a church is funded. Continuing financial support is vital to Holy Trinity and requires it now more then ever as it finds itself in a difficult financial situation. Each year Holy Trinity loses about £50-£70k. That is unsustainable, and would soon wipe out the church’s reserves. Things should change when all the changes from the development project kicks in, but that is a couple of years away yet.

Rev Canon Dr Neal Barnes continues: “Stewardship and the Christian values of giving has not been preached as much as it should have in recent years but we hope that through tailored services, detailed literature and one-to-one talks with members of the congregation, we can explain the importance of giving and what it means to the church.”

There are many ways to donate financial support to the church which includes: via standing order (click here to download a standing order form), planned giving using envelopes and plate giving during services. If you are unsure how to give or how much to give, Rev Canon Dr Neal Barnes and Chris Fenwick are available at the church to offer advice, and a helpful leaflet about Giving in Grace is also available.