Giving

There are many ways to give in United from your time to materials to help with food, drinks and craft, activities, from financial contributions to supporting the work of local charities and organisations we’re involved in. But the big question is why give anything?

Firstly, from the air we breathe to the land we inhabit, from the water we drink to the sun that sustains us – God has given us so much. We give from our heart of gratitude – freely we receive, so freely we give.

Second and related to the first point. Jesus gave his life to bring us forgiveness and life in all its fullness, whatever we give pales in comparison to this ultimate gift of love. Jesus gave because he loves us. We give because we love Jesus and others.

Right now, our costs are largely to do with hospitality, but looking to the future, we will want to pay for room-hire and facilitate children’s groups which will also incur further costs. 

We have personal and professional experience of poverty and financial crisis and as such, feel very strongly that socio-economic considerations must never be a barrier in United; nobody should feel embarrassed or excluded in any way. Our events are free and for all.  We are not asking for money back for these events but want to be transparent about what money we are currently using and where any donations might be put. In addition to this, we are funding to work and live here until September 2024, after which time this position/role will need to be self sustainable or will become amalgamated/lost.

Finally, giving is one of the NHS recommendations for improving well-being. So giving is good for us. Of course, you do not have to give anything to us here at United, this decision is between you and God. We do pray you will know His leading in this area of your lives – may you give and receive generously and most importantly know the love and blessing of our Father in heaven.