Preparing for visitors this Christmas
This Christmas, churches in Sussex will typically see a surge in church attendance for special services such as carol concerts, Christingle services, and midnight mass. This influx of visitors provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the church's work and encourage support.
So, what can churches do in today's increasingly cashless society? Whether your church is holding a Christmas Tree festival, a Christmas market or a carol service, it's vital to offer modern giving options. You could consider installing a giving machine or setting up contactless donation points within the church.
These user-friendly devices allow visitors to make quick and easy donations, even if they don't carry cash. Remember that you are able to claim gift aid on any contactless donations of £30 or under and this does not require the giver to have to give you all of their details. Churches can claim up to £8000 of gift aid this way. If you are still mulling it over, perhaps have a chat with other local churches to find out about their experience of using a digital giving device or take a look at this link here.
Other ways to offer different giving options is to ensure your church's website and social media platforms prominently feature links to online giving pages. This allows people to contribute even if they can't attend in person or prefer to give electronically. The use of QR codes can work very effectively here.
It is vital to communicate the impact that increased giving has on the church mission. Demonstrate that difference by giving examples of what you can now do or offer because of increased giving. Articulate how donations support the church's mission and ministry. Use notice boards, service sheets, and verbal announcements to explain the impact of people's generosity. These Christmas events are an exciting opportunity to witness God’s love to those who may not know Him yet. A visitor to your church this Christmas may be at the beginning of their faith journey!
It is every church officer’s role to communicate the options for giving, so brief your welcome team on how to direct visitors to giving options and explain the various ways people can contribute, and be reminded the emphasis should always be on the joy of generosity and the church's role in the community.
If you are interested in installing a digital device in your church, it is still possible to do so before Christmas time. You can do so via this website: https://parishbuying.org.uk/ or contact Sarah Rogers or Molly Reuter who would be happy to guide you through it.