Opportunities to Give.
Why we give
‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ say the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’ Malachi 3:10
This is the only place in the Bible that we are told, by God, that we can ‘test’ God. That tithing opens up the floodgates of heaven. Both for us as individuals and collectively as a church.
But it’s not just an Old Testament principle!
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” 1 Corinthians 16:2
“Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Paul, in the two scriptures above, sets the foundation for New Testament giving. Giving based upon Grace which exceeds the Law! Our giving is in response to God’s lavish generosity towards us.
How to give
You can give to Father’s House by bank transfer to our account, numbered 41355449, sort code 40-41-01.
You can give to Lox Lane by bank transfer to our account, numbered 91355430, sort code 40-41-01
You can give to our Overseas friends by bank transfer to our account, numbered 41355902, sort code 40-41-01
It is really helpful if you can add a reference to the gift to tell us what you are giving for, e.g. Letts, if it is going into the Overseas account for Marcus and Emily
If you pay tax you may choose to fill in a gift aid form here as we can reclaim tax paid on donations made by individual tax payers.
Father’s House Charity Number: 1197047
The Father’s House Building
Replacement of one heater in the Main Hall - £2,322 quote received August 2024
We have two large gas heaters in the main hall. One of these is unserviceable and so needs to be replaced.
Note: we are considering alternative forms of heating, see below.
Heating - exploring other options
We are currently exploring a number of possibilities for improving the efficiency of the heating at Father’s House, including Little Acorn’s Preschool.
Options currently being considered are heat exchangers, solar panels, boilers and radiators for Preschool
Little Acorns Pre-school
Little Acorns is owned by Father’s House and was established by three members of the Church in September 2000. It has consistently operated to a very high standard and has an excellent reputation in the local community. Countless families and children have been blessed and relationships built because of the care shown to them over the years.
The income of the Pre-school has always come from Nursery Grants or fees paid by parents. The Nursey Grants make up approx. 95% of the income and the rates are set by the local authority. Until the Academic year 2022-2023 this had been enough to cover the wages of the staff.
However, this year (2023 – 2024) Little Acorns has seen a deficit for the first time, which has been covered by Father’s House. This is despite paring back expenditure to the minimum and getting support from local businesses for some of the consumables. The Pre-school’s biggest expense is wages, paid to our staff (led by Clare Williams) who are our are most valuable resource and the primary reason that we are able to provide such an amazing environment and educational experience for the children.
Many Nurseries and Pre-schools around the country are closing as they are no longer financially viable. But the trustees and the leadership of Father’s House do not want Little Acorns to close. The Pre-school feels too important a part of our local community in Shaftesbury, and part of our remit at Father’s House to ‘do good’ to others.
Therefore, we are hoping to raise sponsorship for the Pre-school this year, from within the Father’s House family.
Please email Caroline on admin@fathershouseshaftesbury.com if you would like more information regarding the Pre-school. And please let us know if you would be willing to offer your financial support.
Note: If you would like to set up a standing order the Little Acorns bank details are: Little Acorns, Sort code: 40-41-01, Account number: 91355422
Encounter weekends subsidy
At Father’s House, among the values that we hold close to our hearts there are two things that stand out: One is the need to be regularly filled with the Holy Spirit and the other is the need for our hearts to be healed from life’s hurts.
Encounter weekends were developed to minister healing and freedom to hearts and provide an atmosphere where people can encounter God’s love and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Weekends are held at Lox lane and are fully catered and begin with dinner at 7pm on the Friday evening and finish after lunch on Sunday. Those attending have an en-suite room with linen and towels. The cost for the weekend is £220. But members of Father’s House are offered a sponsored rate for their first 2 w/e’s of £50.
We also like to be able to offer sponsorship to others, outside the Church family, who find the financial cost a struggle.
If you could help with a one-off gift or regular gift please talk to Caroline or Alistair in the Church office.