September is Harvest season, a time during which we can all give thanks for God’s generosity to us. It is also Generosity Week (29 September – 6 October), an opportunity to reflect on all the good gifts that we have received within our churches and consider how our church family and wider community might explore together what it means to live generously throughout the rest of the year.
Natalie Wainwright, Lead Giving and Funding Adviser for Bath and Wells says, “Whilst Generosity Week lends itself to Harvest time, there is never a bad time to celebrate God’s goodness to us and, in turn, consider how this might shape our own lives as we seek to live out our Christian faith as generous disciples.
“There is a huge range of resources available to help individuals and church leadership teams do just that - from sermon starters to daily prayers, resources for young people, podcasts and more!”
‘Living Generously’, is one such resource. A series of films for small groups, the Church of England’s Director of Giving, Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood, explores one of his favorite gospel stories, John 12:3 NSVA, when ‘Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair.’ Each of the short films explores a different way of being generous – such as with our time, attention and wealth.
Reflecting on the passage Jonathan says, “There is so much to learn, and so much to be inspired by.” What might inspire you this Generosity Week?
Find the films, and all the other Generosity Week resources, on the Church of England web page.