Outward Giving
St Martin’s Church gives a portion of its income to chosen charities, as part of our commitment to outward giving. Some of the income is raised in special services, some from fund raising activities and a portion from regular giving that supports the life and mission of the church locally and diocesan-wide.
St Martin’s is located in an affluent area of Surrey but there are many who struggle and so we have organised our giving to ensure that small local charities are supported as well as our outreach nationally and internationally.
This year, we were able to involve the whole church in our 4-year review of outward giving, using a questionnaire. Every charity is included in our prayer list on a rolling basis throughout the year not only as charitable institutions in need of support, but for those whom they serve. It is always our prayer that those in need will encounter the love of God in Jesus Christ. We are called to build a world where our God reigns, in our hearts and our relationships. That means being active in the world, as witnesses to God’s love.
Many parishioners give also to charities of their own choice, but we feel that it is for our Church to give where others can’t and to express our Christian witness collectively, as one body. We have never had cause to be disappointed in peoples’ generosity but we hope that this page will introduce charities to the reader that work without much fanfare as well as reminding us of the work of recognisable names. We pray that this page will encourage generous giving, to alleviate the suffering of this world.
Jesus said: ‘’I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly’’ John 10: 10. We give generously, so that we become active in the realisation of this promise for our neighbour, in Jesus’ name.
Blythswood
Blythswood Care combines the Christian message with practical help for those in need at home and abroad, regardless of their political or religious beliefs or ethnic origins.
We support Blythswood through their annual shoebox appeal.
The Childrens Society
The Children’s Society helps children of all faiths and none, including children at risk on the streets, disabled children, young refugees, young carers or those within the youth justice system.
The collections from the Christingle service are donated and members of our congregation collect at home throughout the year.
Cherry Trees
Cherry Trees is a charity providing exceptional home-from-home, specialist short-break respite visits for children and young adults aged 0-19 with a range of complex disabilities including learning, physical and sensory impairments.
Part of our annual income is donated.
Home Start Guildford
Home-Start Guildford is part of one of the UK’s leading family support charities Home-Start UK which has 180 schemes in the UK and over 16,000 volunteers who visit families with at least one child under five in their own homes.
Part of St Martin’s annual income is donated.
Guildford Cathedral
Guildford Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Guildford.
Part of St Martin’s annual income is donated.
The Trussell Trust
The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of food banks and together provides emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, and campaign for change to end the need for food banks in the UK. St Martin’s also collects food for the Cobham Area Foodbank.
Leatherhead Start
A short-term, emergency access hostel for single people with support needs.
Part of St Martin’s annual income is donated.
The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion provides welfare to the whole Armed Forces family – serving, ex-Service and their dependants. It also campaigns on issues affecting Service people, is the custodian of Remembrance, runs the Poppy Appeal and is one of the UK’s largest membership organisations.
The collection from the annual remembrance service is donated.
Water Aid
Water Aid is an international non-governmental organisation whose’s mission is to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities.
St Martin’s has supported Water Aid for many years through specific collections
Tear Fund
Tearfund works with local churches and organisations in more than 50 countries to tackle the complex challenges of poverty.
Part of St Martin’s annual income is donated.
The Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund
The Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund (BGCF) exists to reach out to disadvantaged and vulnerable people across the Diocese of Guildford in the name of Christ.
Part of St Martin’s annual income is donated.
Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. It campaigns for change, funding research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today.
Part of St Martin’s annual income is donated.
UK Youth is the UK’s leading youth work charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. UK Youth is focused on unlocking youth work – which is proven to be life-changing and life-saving – as the catalyst of change needed now more than ever.