Church of the Holy Nativity, Chapel House
Community Website
Support is...
…'the act of preventing a person from giving way; spiritual support; mental comfort; to bear with; to stand by; to contribute to the success or maintenance of something.' (Oxford English Dictionary)
Church is about all these things and more – people supporting one another, and together building community. The bricks and furniture are supportive facilities, which enable people to meet and feel supported. Buildings also need to be supported.
Fun-Raising 4 Funds
Fundraising is meaningful and can also be fun. An opportunity to engage in special or crazy activities and make a difference for others in the process. Here are a few ways in which Holy Nativity has participated in special and fun-raising activities.
Being a 'FRIEND of HOLY NATIVITY': This is one way of offering regular support to the work of the church and community project. Leaflets are avilable in church.
Buy a Brick: this appeal was launched in July 2008 and raised £10,000. Names of those who donated and names submitted in memory of people have been collected together in a pictorial Memory Book to be kept in the Rainford Room.
The Penny Jar: simply collecting spare copper coins in a jam jar has raised £1,000 in a year!
The Dorcas Appeal: This was a special appeal amongst the regular church congregation at a time when we faced an unexpected shortfall of £60,000 to ensure the construction project could go ahead. People of Holy Nativity contributed £28,000 within a month. Two charitable trusts responded to this amazing effort by donating £25,000 and £10,000. A third trust responded with a donation of £32,000 towards basic furnishings and equipment for the new centre. 'Dorcas' is the name of a woman in a Bible story who was brought back to life (Acts chapter 9, verses 36-43). This was the appointed reading for the day when we faced the unexpetced shortfall. It became a story associated with 'bringing the project to life'.
Share a Chair: The new church chairs are oak, designed and made by Treske of Thirsk. They can be bought and dedicated to a special person or event. Leaflets are in church. The Dedication Book is also in church.
Bus Trips: York and Edinburgh were destinations this year – a great chance to shop, sight-see and share food and fellowship. £500 has been raised. Look out for next year's trips.
Sales and Fairs, Coffee Mornings and Concerts, Promise Auctions and Pie and Pea Suppers are amongst a range of opportunities to support the work of the local church whilst enjoying life.
And then there was the Great North Run! Three runners in different races helped to raise hopes, expectations and £12,000. To find out more about that please check out our Great North Run pages.
Do you have any good ideas for a fun-raising activity? Please contact us!
Warning: The church never collects money by sending people door to door. Please do NOT give money to anyone at your door who says they are collecting for the church. Inform the Local Neighbourhood Police Team immediately on 03456 043 043, extension number 69191.
Each Parish in England is served by a Parish Church. Everyone who lives in the parish is entitled to the services of their Parish Church. The maintenance of the church and its work in the community is the responsibility of the local residents. Even the stipend (or living allowance) of the vicar is covered by money raised by the parish.
The Responsibility is Ours!
Thanks to the generous giving of the regular congregation and others in the community, Holy Nativity has always been able to meet its financial obligations. This is a real cause for celebration. It is the sign of a healthy church, able to encourage new members and to engage with the wider community.
Generosity – responding to God's grace in our lives.
"Every thing in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you, and of your own do we give you!"
Individual generosity, responding to God's grace, has always been a hallmark of the Christian church. Recognising that we own nothing that is not given to us by God, we are called to respond open-heartedly to the needs around us. Gifts of time, expertise and income are not only ways of thanks-giving but are also life-giving and enable the church to serve the community.
The support of local residents, alongside the regular congregation, is vital for the maintenance of the church and its work here in the Parish. Our costs are currently about £750 per week. Can you help us meet this need?
We need individuals and families to help us to budget:
- by giving regularly (weekly or monthly) directly through the bank or by using the envelope scheme;
- by using the Gift Aid scheme, if you can, so that we can claim back the tax already paid.
Please consider including your parish church in your charitable giving. The forms you need to enable you to do this can be downloaded (Adobe Reader is required).
We have compiled answers to some frequently asked questions that may help, or alternatively, both the Treasurer and the Planned Giving Officer can answer any other questions you have.
The Church is committed to supporting activities which serve the welfare of the community and its residents. You can contribute in a variety of ways, through church or community groups to your community life. Examples and contacts can be found in the Activities and Community sections of this website.
Some ways you can be involved…
The Church Electoral Roll: any resident of the parish is entitled to belong on the electoral roll of the parish church. As a member you are entitled to vote at the AGM on any issue raised, including the appointment of church officials.
Pastoral Visitors: Holy Nativity has a network of people who keep in contact with everyone on the electoral roll, ensuring that information reaches them, and keeping a 'neighbourly' contact with them. If you would like a pastoral visitor to call and explain more about the scheme, please contact the vicar.
Being a 'good neighbour': Everyone has times when they need a friend to support them through difficulties. Often a close neighbour can offer time and help. Sometimes, the problem needs more special help and the church is one point of contact. If you know of anyone who would appreciate a visit from a member of clergy, please contact the vicar.
Local Community Partnerships: Each Ward in the City has Local Partnerships which represent the various community groups in the Ward. The local churches are represented in these Partnerships and, through them, seek to address local issues and to improve the life and wellbeing of the community. If you are interested in knowing more, or would like your group to be represented in the Partnership, contact your Ward Co-ordinator or the church.
'Outside In' Community Project: there is plenty to do to help this project, including the need for fun fundraising ideas and people to organise them. Please contact Dorothy at the church.
Holy Nativity is a gathering of people within the community. No-one is 'employed'; only the vicar receives a 'living allowance'. Everyone contributes their time, their skills and money to enable the church to live and work. Each person is important.
Examples of church ministry can be found in the Activities and Community sections of this website.
Some ways in which you could contribute…
Ground Force: This team of volunteers ensures that the grounds and garden are kept tidy, safe and attractive.
Multi-Task Force: This team ensures that the church is kept clean and cared for in many different ways.
Drop-In: Every Monday and Friday morning there are people to welcome visitors and to offer tea or coffee and a chat. You are welcome to call in. You may like to offer to help with this important ministry of hospitality.
Flowers: Throughout the year the church is beautifully decorated with flowers. The flowers are nearly always bought in memory of someone. You may wish to contribute to the flower fund, or even to help arrange the flowers on special occasions, like a flower festival or church birthday.
Administration: Is this your gift and expertise? Our team of administrators tackle a variety of tasks and are always willing to welcome more volunteers.
Website: You may have some information you would like to contribute to this website which is of value to the community. Please contact the vicar with your suggestions.
This website is designed and managed for Holy Nativity by Bill Richmond. Bill is a volunteer who lives in the parish and who generously responded to an appeal in our newsletter. The church would like to thank him for his expertise and wish him every blessing in his new work as a website designer. Holy Nativity is very pleased to recommend him.
The 'Hand Doves' in the photos on this page were made by The Rainbows.