We "support" in two ways - firstly we support each other as part of the larger Christian family, and secondly we support those less well off than ourselves. We give this support in a number of ways:
Directly, through financial and other assistance. Our policy is to gove 10% of our income to charitable causes; we do this by giving 30% (of the 10%) to each of two charities for 3 years and another 2 charities 20% (of 10%) for one year. Each Autumn members of the Parish are asked to make suggestions and these are voted on by the PCC each November. At present, the Charities we support are as follows:
Wateraid (30% for 3 years - 2010-12)
Mercy Ships (30% for 3 years - 2010-12)
Church Mission Society - Samaritan Appeal in Africa (20% for 1 year - 2011)
Teaching-aids At Low Cost (TALC) (20% for 1 year - 2011)
In 2010 we supported:
Mothers' Union East Africa Appeal (20% for 2010 [only])
Fellowship Afloat (20% for 2010 [only])
We support a number of other Charities on a regular basis, including The Children's Society.
We support a number of other Charitable causes through special collection - eg Crisis, whom we support at Christmas.
We support Christian Aid, supporting, in particular, Christian Aid Week each May.