Smarden Parish Church: donations and gifts

Donations to St Michael Smarden

We are totally reliant on your generosity to support the costs of running this church both for ministry and the upkeep of our Grade I listed building. The amount of support that the Church of England can provide for individual churches, from historical funds, is continually reducing. Giving is also important for our faith, it is a spiritual act and a response to God.

If you would like to donate, establishing a regular standing order is one of the most efficient ways to support us. Please complete a Standing Order Mandate for your bank, and a Gift Aid Declaration and return both forms to:

Tony Lush,
3 Vesper Court,
Smarden,
Kent TN27 8LZ.

Tel: 01233 770590
Email: Tony Lush

You are welcome to set up a standing order using this form; Standing Order form and Gift Aid declaration. Gift aid would be appreciated.

You can also pay by credit or debit card via the diocesan donations page, which allows you to choose which church you are giving to. Fill in the online form and, on the next page, choose "payment to parish or fund" to confirm your choice of church. This diocesan system requires you to enter your information twice: once for a government gift aid declaration (if you are a tax payer) and once to comply with FSA (Financial Services Authority) regulations. But otherwise this is a very quick, efficient and secure way of making payments.

All donations are kept confidential, details are only known by the treasurer and Gift Aid secretary. However if you would like your support to be totally confidential you can set up CAF Charity Account. This is a very convenient and tax-efficient way to give. It works in a similar way to a current bank account, but only holds funds that you put aside to give to your favourite causes. Whenever you want to give to charity, you simply make a donation through your account. It’s incredibly flexible; donations can be made in person, or anonymously, by phone, by post, online or by standing order to any recognised charity(ies) you wish to support. See the CAF online link for further details.

For further information on the churches finances:
You can download a copy of our annual report and financial statement.

Why is giving important for our faith?
Giving is a practical demonstration of our faith. It expresses our faith that God will always provide, It celebrates God's generosity and helps ensure our lives have an outwardly focus. There giving is a spiritual act — a response to God.

Based on the ancient Biblical principal Christians are encouraged to give away 10% of their income after tax. But we don't assume that all of this should go to support the church, but we hope you will consider giving 5% of your income after tax.

Support of Charities
Just as we ask individuals to be generous the the Church also seeks to live out that principle of generosity. Details are in our accounts.

Each year we support one or more nominated charities, such as:
Church Army
USPG
Christian Aid
The Children's Society
The Royal British Legion

Your contribution is greatly appreciated.