Giving to Immanuel

Newcomers and those just looking into the Christian faith: we're not after your money. That's really important for us to say.

Those committed to Immanuel as church "Members" – and others who are regular with us – are encouraged to give financially to support the work of the church because generous and sacrificial giving is part of our worship of the Lord Jesus.

Why do Christians give?

Christians are those who “know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). People who know the grace of God are glad to give.
 
Sacrificial giving for gospel work is a mark of spiritual maturity and therefore every Christian should aim to be giving regularly. It will be costly, but it pleases our heavenly Father and many at our church can testify to the joy that comes from giving generously and seeing the fruit in people’s lives.
 
How much we give to the Lord’s work will inevitably vary from person to person. And we are immensely grateful to God for each giver and each gift – however big or small.
 
In considering our giving we would encourage one another to:

1. Pray – ask God for a generous heart and wisdom on how best to support His church with the money He has entrusted to you
2. Think – carefully review your finances and consider how to put into practice Biblical principles
3. Act – decide on an amount to give and make your gift.

For different ways to give to our ministry, please see below. Where possible, please give using Gift Aid.

Confidentiality and information

Please be assured that the details of your giving will always be handled with great care and confidence. There are only two people in the church who ever know the details of the giving by members. Immanuel’s ministers do not know this information.
 
Do contact us if you would like to discuss your giving: for any practical questions relating to giving do contact our treasurer, Denis Parsons (treasurer@immanuelbrentwood.org), or to discuss the “why” of giving, do contact one of our Elders.

Making a one-off donation

You may donate to Immanuel’s General Fund (which covers all the normal running costs of the church) but you can also support specific projects including our Building Fund (we have taken ownership of and are renovating a church building in Brentwood town centre) or our Hardship Fund (which is used to help those in our church who are particularly in need).
 
At other times of the year there may be further specific funds such as a Christmas Collection.
 
In clicking the link below, you can select which fund to give to from the drop-down list. This method of giving allows, where applicable, Gift Aid to be reclaimed by Immanuel on gifts given by UK taxpayers. To understand how Gift Aid works, please see an explanation here.

Donate · ChurchSuite Donate

If you prefer to give cash, we always have a collection box out at the back of church each Sunday. If you are able to Gift Aid any cash donations, please contact our Treasurer (Denis Parsons, treasurer@immanuelbrentwood.org) and he will ask you to complete a short form.

Regular giving via Standing Order

Standing Orders are the most effective way of giving (and it means Immanuel doesn’t incur any transaction fees). Standing Orders can be set up via internet banking or by contacting your bank. To get account details, please contact our Treasurer (Denis Parsons, treasurer@immanuelbrentwood.org). If you can give with Gift Aid, please fill in the relevant section.

Leaving a Legacy

If leaving a legacy is something you’d like to consider, please see below for some helpful information.

Thinking about death - and gospel ministry

Thinking about death is hard to do and difficult to talk about. As Christ’s people, however, we have the sure and certain hope of everlasting life in his kingdom.
 
When we consider our Wills, it is normal to ensure that our family and loved ones are provided for to the best of our ability. Many people also like to leave money or gifts to the church or other causes which they supported through their lives.
 
Leaving a gift to Immanuel Church Brentwood in your will contributes to Gospel proclamation and to the strengthening of the church beyond your own lifetime. It is an act of faith and worship.
 
It is not something that is only for older members of our congregation but rather can be thoughtfully considered at every stage of life as we seek to live with gospel priorities.

To help you make a legacy gift to Immanuel Church Brentwood:

Q. How can I leave money to Immanuel on my death?
A. The only way to ensure that Immanuel Church receives any money from your Estate upon your death is to write a Will. There are three ways that you can do this

• Leave a fixed cash sum
• Leave a specific asset
• Leave a share of your estate

Q. Would my estate be liable for inheritance tax on any gift I leave money to Immanuel Church Brentwood on my death?
A. No, under the current rules any gifts made to charity are not liable to inheritance tax and Immanuel Church is a registered charity.
 
Q. What information do I need about Immanuel Church Brentwood?
A. You will need the charity’s details which are: Immanuel Church Brentwood, The Bays, Ashwells Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9SE. A charity registered in England and Wales (1156523)

Some other information regarding Wills:

Q. What happens if I die without having written a Will?
A. Your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy, this means

• If you leave more than £322,000 your surviving spouse/civil partner may not inherit it all
• If you want someone you are living with who is not your spouse/civil partner to inherit they will not
• If you have no living relatives and wish to leave your estate to your friends or to a charity the Crown may take your estate
• If you are married & have children from a previous relationship they may not inherit
• You won’t be able to provide for dependant relatives
• You won’t be able to plan to minimize Inheritance Tax liability

Q. What are the advantages of making a Will?
A. There are several:

• You decide who inherits your belongings and assets
• You decide who you trust to be responsible for administering your estate, to make important financial decisions and manage any necessary long term investments
• You decide at what age any children have access to any money you leave
• You can place certain restrictions on assets you leave
• You can include certain wishes
• There is an opportunity to make tax efficient arrangements 

Q. Do I need to use a solicitor?
A. No. However, we would advise that you consult a solicitor to make sure your Will is legally binding, and that your wishes are recorded and carried out as you would like.
 
If you need further information or have any questions please contact our treasurer, Denis Parsons treasurer@immanuelbrentwood.org