By Paul Child, Generous Giving Advisor
Who needs a holiday? As those of us whose households run on term-time anticipate the joys/challenges of the six-week summer break, as the sun finally breaks through after a long cold and lonely winter, many of us will be planning a getaway. Maybe overseas, maybe somewhere nearby.
As the kids were growing up, we used to play a game on long car journeys – The Suitcase Game. You may have played it, or a variation, at some point. The first person says “In my suitcase I will pack” then names an item. The next player says, “In my suitcase I will pack” and says the item of the first player, followed by a new one of their own. This continues until somebody fails to list an item and is out. The items get more outlandish as you try to put people off, or simply make them laugh.
So, what do you pack for your summer holidays? A good book – maybe THE Good Book? Suncream (or an umbrella if it’s the UK)? What about your phone, and some money?
I rarely have cash in my wallet these days – and not just because everything is more expensive! Since cards overtook cash as the most popular method of payment in 2017, I am among the majority of people who rely on their debit or credit card, or sometimes phone or smartwatch, to pay for everything using a contactless card reader.
At this time of year, people will come into our churches for an odd service if they are holidaying nearby, or wander in to visit if we’re open during the day. We may find we have more weddings and baptisms during the summer, with people travelling from around the country to attend. Many of these people, if given the opportunity and inspired by the mission and ministry of our church, would love to leave a donation – but if we can only accept these in cash, we are excluding many from being able to do so.
That’s why Durham Diocese have partnered with the National Giving Team to make 50 contactless devices available for free to churches in our Diocese. If you’ve ever wondered why your church can’t take card donations or payments, or think it would be good to have that option yourself, tell somebody on your PCC or your church leader about the Digital Rollout - there’s more information about it here: Parish Buying - Durham Digital Giving Rollout.
Be quick though – applications for a free church contactless device need to be in by 21st July!
So, if you’re lucky enough to be getting a holiday this year, I hope you have a relaxing, rejuvenating time. And remember, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25).