Generosity is at the heart of our faith because we follow and serve a generous God. No matter who we are, if we believe, we will have eternal life and that’s God’s generosity right there; an inclusive message of hope for all. How we share the time, skills, money and other resources we have been given, is fundamentally an issue of discipleship and something that should be taught and preached regularly in our church communities. There is certainly no shortage of biblical material. Over 2,300 verses relate to money, wealth and possessions and one third of Jesus parables relate to these topics too!
The Generous Giving Team have developed and are also able to recommend a range of resources to help parishes nurture this spirit of generosity in our church communities. We are willing to visit churches where invited, top speak at appropriate events, meetings or services. More details of the support and resources we offer are detailed below, but please contact us should your requirements be slightly different as we are keen to tailor our support to suit individual circumstances.
Sermon Starters
Available for those Sundays in 2023 where one of the Lectionary readings is particularly suited to exploring the theme of Generosity. Sermon Starters for additional weeks may be added as we go through the year, so please keep checking back, or email Giving Ministry Adviser, Dennis Fancett on 07467 563 311 or at d.fancett@newcastle.anglican.org if you find this resource helpful and would appreciate more being added.
| Sun 22nd Jan | Psalm 27: 1, 4-12 | Sacrifice with Shouts of Joy |
| Sun 29th Jan | 1 Kings 17: 8-16 | The Widow Who Gave Her Last Meal |
| Sun 30th Apr | Acts 2: 42-47 | Giving as a Response to the Gospel Message |
| Sun 18th Jun | Matthew 9: 35 | Freely You Have Received, Freely Give |
| Sun 25th Jun | Matthew 10: 24-39 | The Value of Life |
| Sun 3rd Sep (a) | Matthew 16:21-28 | Getting Priorities Right |
| Sun 3rd Sep (b) | Romans 12: 9-21 | Never Be Lacking in Zeal |
| Sun 24th Sep | Matthew 20: 1-16 | Unfair or What? – Workers in the Vineyard |
| Sun 19th Nov | Matthew 25: 14-30 | What Did the Wicked Servant Get Wrong? |
Pre-Recorded Sermons
Based on the above, pre-recorded sermons are also available for those with the necessary equipment. These recordings may be particularly useful for churches in vacancy or on occasions where it would be helpful to have an alternative speaker from outside the church. Additional recordings may be added as we go through the year.
- Sunday 30th April 2023: Giving as a Response to the Gospel Message (Acts 2: 42-47)
- Sunday 18th June 2023: Freely You Have Received, Freely Give (Matthew 9: 35 to 10: 8)
- Sunday 25th June 2023: The Value of Life (Matthew 10: 24-39)
- Sunday 3rd September 2023: Option (a) Getting Priorities Right (Matthew 16: 2-28)
- Sunday 3rd September 2023: Option (b) Never Be Lacking in Zeal (Romans 12: 9-21)
- Sunday 24th September 2003 (GENEROSITY WEEK): Unfair or What? Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20: 1-16)
- Sunday 19th November 2023: What Did The Wicked Servant Get Wrong? Matthew 25: 14-30
- Any date: Walk the Other Way (1 Timothy 6: 6-19)
- Any date: Because God's Been Generous to Me
Please contact d.fancett@newcastle.anglican.org if you would like an MP4 copy of any of these films.
Stories and Reflections - "Where Your Heart Is" (Film Version)
Originally created for Generosity Week 2022, this collection of eight short films (6-7 minutes each) are an informal way to explore the theme of generosity and help us understand more deeply the link between personal financial generosity and growing in our faith as children and disciples of God. The series can be used in a variety of settings including church away days, PCC meetings, deanery synods or as an introduction to a giving or stewardship review.
- A Penny For The Car
- “Owt For Nowt”
- Chip Off The Old Block
- What Makes A Friend?
- The Fair-Weather Christian
- The 50p Giver
- A Word In Season
- The Short Walk to Talk
Please contact d.fancett@newcastle.anglican.org if you would like an MP4 copy of any of these films.
Stories and Reflections - "Where Your Heart Is" (Short Booklet Form)
The above films are also available in booklet format. Click on the image below to download this resource.
Workshops and Seminars
Giving Ministry Adviser, Dennis Fancett is available to lead workshops or seminars tailored to individual requirements. Suitable for deanery synods, PCC meetings, church away days, or as an introduction to a giving or stewardship review. Contact Dennis on 07467 563 311 or at d.fancett@newcastle.anglican.org.
Sunday Services
Dennis is also available to speak on generosity from a Biblical perspective at Sunday Services. Please email d.fancett@newcastle.anglican.org to check his availability.
Lent Course - "Surprised By Generosity"
“Surprised by Generosity” is a seven week Lent course that looks at God’s generosity to us and our call to live generously in return. It is based on the Gospel of Luke and features a series of videos and a small group study guide along with notes and instructions for the Course Leader. It is ideally suited for small or midweek groups, could be clergy or lay led, and run either in-person or online. Originally developed for Lent 2022, by the Diocese of Exeter, the course has now been adapted (with permission) to make it relevant and topical for any year. Click on the image to download the course.
Recommended Reading
Here are some books we’ve come across that can help deepen our understanding of generosity. If you have also read one of these books and would be willing to write a short review, please contact d.fancett@newcastle.anglican.org.
- Simply Generous Review by Dennis Fancett
- The Generosity Ladder Review by Leanne Conway-Wilcox
- Contagious Generosity Review by Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood
- Divine Mathematics Review by Phil McBride
- A Spirituality of Fundraising
- The Legacy Journey
- Open Hands Open Heart
- More or Less
- Overflow: A Life Refreshed by Generosity
Additional Resources
- Generosity Learning Hub - Various excellent resources and courses. Users will need to set up an account, but this is free (National Church)
- Generosity Fika - A half day programme for small groups to explore God's generosity to us, Biblical generosity and generosity around the world. Through short films, reflections and discussion we can be inspired and encouraged to live more generous lives. (National Church)
- Preaching Generosity - Join the mailing list to receive weekly emails with sermon plans based around the theme of generosity for each Sunday’s standard lectionary reading. (Diocese of Rochester)
- Giving in Grace (Preaching) - Extensive preaching notes that are part of a wider programme developed to increase giving to the local church. (Diocese of Liverpool originally)
- Generosity Path - A network offering retreats and conferences offering particuipants self-discovery and self-reflection on generosity. (Global non-profit educational organisation)