Parish Socials

Many Parishes thrive on socials. They enjoy the camaraderie, the fellowship and gifts of hospitality with many churches are blessed. Giving in Grace is not like the old “Wells" campaigns, fundraising socials that longstanding members of the church may recall. But Wells campaigns discerned the importance of social events and they can play an important part in a Giving in Grace programme. In many places personal giving has become a taboo subject although fundraising is often spoken of. Incorporating the Giving in Grace programme into the social life of the church can be a good opportunity to bring it in from the cold and help individuals come to terms with the fact that their giving matters, as much to them as to the ministry of the church. This can be done without embarrassment and with enjoyment.

Remember, however, that the focus of Giving in Grace is Christian giving as an element in discipleship and spirituality. It is not a fundraising effort. Accordingly be very careful that the feel, tone and core message of the event reflects this primary concern. Many people will have experience of social fundraising events and it is most natural that they will understand the social event in that light. Careful planning is important in retaining clarity of message.

There is a basic rule of thumb to work with here. Differentiation is at the heart of Giving in Grace. So, if the focus of the Giving in Grace programme is differentiation into the Core, Congregation and fringe groupings then ensure that the focus of the social is upon those who are regular worshippers. However, perhaps especially in more rural communities planning groups will decide to extend the scope of the programme to include what we have termed "associational" members. These are the friends of the church, its well wishers; folk who are glad the church is there but rarely if ever attend outside of the occasional offices of baptisms, weddings and funerals. If Giving in Grace embraces associational members then the socials can and should reflect that approach.