In his final blog Dave Hopwood leaves us with a powerful quote: “Life has to be lived forwards but is best understood backwards.”‍ As we look back, the coincidences of life are often understood to be moments of grace. The legacy of Ruth was a king for Israel and a saviour for us all. As we live forward, Dave invites us to consider the legacy we leave behind us.

In chapter three Naomi hatches a plan for Ruth’s happiness, a plan as generous as it is daring. In this blog Dave Hopwood suggests that God is in the business of sowing good ideas - and challenges us to see God’s purpose in our day to day lives. Check out Dave’s website at davehopwood.com. 

Dave Hopwood continues his reflections on the book of Ruth. His thoughts arise from his 2026 exploration of Ruth at the wonderful Scargill House in the Yorkshire Dales.  

Reflections on Ruth by Dave Hopwood. For 30 years Dave has been a freelance bible communicator, performing, speaking and writing; using film and stories to communicate Bible stories in an accessible way.

Creating an anonymous planned giving profile lifts the bonnet on church giving to give new insights into our congregational giving.

Sermon reflections written by by Rt. Revd John Packer Honorary Assistant Bishop Diocese of Newcastle, retired Bishop of Ripon & Leeds.

Sermon reflections written by by Rt. Revd John Packer Honorary Assistant Bishop Diocese of Newcastle, retired Bishop of Ripon & Leeds.

Sermon reflections written by by Rt. Revd John Packer Honorary Assistant Bishop Diocese of Newcastle, retired Bishop of Ripon & Leeds.

Sermon reflections written by the Very Reverend Peter Howell-Jones for Giving in Grace.

Sermon reflections written by the Very Reverend Peter Howell-Jones for Giving in Grace.

Christian giving begins in the heart. As Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:12). This powerful reminder affirms that generosity is not about equal amounts, but equal willingness. Yet many believers still ask: how does the heart know what to give?

Planned giving is more than how we give our gift; it is the heart’s intention to make giving a priority. This paper explores the importance of planned giving – envelopes, standing orders, charitable accounts, payroll giving – as the key that helps unlock generous and committed giving.

Differentiation is all about the different experiences, motivations, practices in our congregations. We don’t do one size fits all. We let people’s relationship with their church shape our communications. This paper outlines differentiation in Giving in Grace.