It is now a couple of months since Brian Harris, chair of our Finance Committee, outlined our proposal to join the Parish Giving Scheme. There are a number of excellent reasons why we are encouraging all existing regular givers to sign up to the P.G.S. not the least of which is that it saves a significant amount of time and administration for myself as your Gift Aid secretary. If you missed Brian’s talk you can hear it again here https://www.christchurchswindon.co.uk/blog/2018/05/hear-about-our-new-parish-giving-scheme/ It lays out very clearly the benefits of the scheme and rather embarrasses me but all in a good cause!

A number of questions have arisen over the past few days which I hope can clarify some points for everyone.

 

Q. When I sign up to the PGS what happens if I want to make occasional donations – particularly to our Mission Giving days?

A. You still remain registered for Gift Aid in favour of Christ Church so your local donations will still be valued and counted as normal.

Q. Once I have completed the application form, what do I do with it?

A. First ensure that, if you are eligible for Gift Aid, (that is you pay UK tax equal or more than the amount of Gift aid claimed on your donations) you have ticked the allow GIFT AID  tick box on the form. Then return it in the stamped addressed envelope provided (you can get one from the parish office if you don’t have one) directly to PGS. The address is also on the form.

Q. What happens next?

A. Once you have had a reply from PGS acknowledging your giving and telling you the first date that your new Direct debit will be taken. Then you should contact your bank to cancel your existing Standing order/Direct debit.

Q. Where can I get a PGS application form from so that I can start to regularly support the work of the church?

A. There are application packs at the back of the church or you can get them from Helen in the parish office or by contacting Stephen on the details below.

Q. I don’t really understand what I have to do. Can you help me?

A. I will be delighted to talk you through the form, the process and help you understand what it all means. You can telephone me (01793 341034 or email me s.grosvenor@gmail.com) and I can help.

There is no deadline to joining the PGS but many of its benefits derive from as many givers as possible taking it up so please do consider joining the many members of the church community who have already done so.

Thank you

Stephen Grosvenor

Gift Aid Secretary – Christ Church with St Mary’s Swindon