Partners in Ministry
 A key value in the life of St. Richard's is that every member has a part to play. Just as when we do a puzzle every piece is needed to make up the whole picture, so we are all called to be partners in the life, mission and ministry of our church.
Each year, every member of St. Richard's is invited to sign the "Partnership Pledge" as a sign of their commitment to this vision for our church.
The theme of partnership is inspired by the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians in which he writes:
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…”
(Philippians 1:4-5)
The word Paul uses for partnership is the Greek word koinonia, which is most often translated as fellowship, but means much more than what we often understand by that word.
It has to do with an active sharing of life, faith and ministry, with God and one another.
Koinonia is not just being close to one another, getting along nicely; it’s a word which describes the unity of all believers that comes about as a result of our common faith in Christ. It is a gift of God to his church, a work of the Holy Spirit.
But the challenge we’re faced with is this: how do we make our fellowship in Christ a practical reality? How do we translate our spiritual partnership into action?
Partnership Pledge 2012
This year we’ve been challenged to think about three ways of responding to this challenge: 1) through prayer, 2) through giving our time and energy, and 3) through offering our financial support.
In particular we believe that:
1. The flourishing of St. Richard’s depends on the faithfulness of our prayers.
Are we willing, in recognizing the importance of prayer, to set aside time to pray regularly for God’s blessing on our life and ministry to the people of Hanworth and beyond?
2. We have all been given gifts by God that he longs to see us use for his glory and the good of our community.
Are we willing to give our time and our talents to enable St. Richard’s to proclaim the good news of Jesus and reach out to those in need?
3. We are all able to share in the whole ministry and mission of the church by offering our financial support.
This year St. Richard’s faces a significant financial challenge. If planned income remains stable our general fund will have a shortfall of about £20,000 for 2012, which we simply can’t afford.
We have a particular challenge for 2012 to raise our planned voluntary income by £20,000, which is a significant amount but works out as 100 people giving an extra £3.85 each week.
Are we willing, prayerfully and generously, to set aside part of our income for God’s use and to enable the work of St. Richard’s to continue?
Three challenges. Will you respond?
If so, I’d love you to fill out the Partnership Pledge to indicate your willingness (you can pick up a copy in church, or download a pdf version here).
As a part of the pledge, I’d be grateful if every member of St. Richard’s could renew their financial commitment in order to help us as we plan for the year ahead.
With thanks for your partnership in the gospel here in St. Richard’s,
Craig Holmes
Vicar, St. Richard's Church
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