The PGS is a direct-debit system originally developed by the Diocese of Gloucester to provide a professional, effective donation management system to support parishes in funding their mission and ministry.
Why?
The Church of England offers a Christian presence in every community, seeking to be at the heart of all our cities, towns and villages; by serving our communities; by sharing our faith and values; by worshipping together and by our wonderful building. This valuable contribution to our community has a cost, which is largely met by personal donations. For St Mary's to survive and grow, we rely on regular donations so that we can plan confidently for the future.
‘Money’ dominates too many agendas in our Church. We need to tackle this problem head-on, so that we can move forward with confidence. Successfully addressing the Church’s need to receive realistic, long term giving from committed Christians is a fundamental part of developing a thriving, outward looking church.
What’s the advantage?
The PGS is a 21st century solution to offset one of the greatest problems of local church income – ‘static’ giving. Donations made through PGS use a Direct Debit. This can be made on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. The full donations – plus any associated Gift Aid – come straight back to the local church, thus saving a lot of administrative time at local level.
If you tick the ‘inflation option’, your giving is automatically adjusted each year. So it becomes ‘inflation proofed’, which in the long run will make a huge difference to our finances. PGS will also makes life easier for your St Mary's administration team, and improves their cashflow. This will free up their energies to focus on other important church priorities and not be so worried about money.
Why is keeping track of inflation so important?
The PGS makes it easy for you to agree, in principle, to increase your donation in line with inflation each year. Just tick the box when you get the form. You can be reassured that, if your circumstances change, it is easy to decline the increase when the annual inflationary letter arrives.
To join the scheme or find out further details, simply talk to the treasurer or churchwardens.
Alternatively email us via the Contact Us page, and select 'Giving' in the 'Organisation or Person' box.