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A short, beautifully produced thank-you film is now available for parishes to use as a warm and meaningful way of expressing gratitude for faithful generosity.

The film reflects on why people give and how generosity enables worship, care, and mission across parishes in this Diocese. It is shared not as an appeal, but as a simple and affirming way to say thank you.

A short, beautifully produced thank-you film is now available for parishes to use as a warm and meaningful way of expressing gratitude for faithful generosity.

The film reflects on why people give and how generosity enables worship, care, and mission across parishes in this Diocese. It is shared not as an appeal, but as a simple and affirming way to say thank you.

How parishes are using the film

  • In services or as part of a sermon or reflection
  • At PCC meetings or APCMs to prompt a discussion on generosity and giving
  • In small groups, ministry teams, or online meetings
  • Shared by email or e-newsletter
  • On parish websites or social media
  • Via QR codes in pew sheets or postcards

No screen in church? The film can easily be emailed or shared for people to watch at home (templates included for you below).

A parish who recently showed this film during a service said:

“The church were blown away by the film today! We took it as an opportunity to mention the success of our giving campaign, and also the giving leaflet that we have. Three new members of the church enthusiastically came and collected leaflets after the service.”

Why use the film in your Parish?

  • Affirms and gives thanks for faithful generosity
  • Encourages giving as a joyful part of Christian discipleship, not simply a financial transaction or “paying the bills”
  • Warm, emotive, and professionally produced
  • Flexible and easy to use in any parish context
A children's group working on an activity with their vicar

Watch the film

Thank you for your giving

There are two versions of the film, including one for parishes who use the Parish Giving Scheme:

1. For parishes who use the Parish Giving Scheme for monthly giving, use this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAGJ16GnIWg

2. For parishes who do not use the Parish Giving Scheme for monthly giving, please use this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2GrGeLsQ5Y

Download the film to use in your parish

Download the Parish Giving Scheme version
Download the NON Parish Giving Scheme version

Talk to the Giving Team about customising the end of the film for your parish: giving@stalbans.anglican.org.

Guidance for Parishes

There are various ways you can use this film as a resource, including many options for parishes who do not have a screen or projector. Please take note of all the options below to see how this can help you, and please get in touch if you have any questions.

1. Discussion prompts for using the film in PCC meetings or small groups

Initial Reflection

  • What struck you most as you watched the film?
  • What tone did the film set around generosity and giving? How did it make you feel?

Generosity & Discipleship

  • How does the film help us see giving as part of Christian discipleship rather than simply fundraising, a financial transaction or ‘paying the bills’?
  • In what ways does our parish currently express gratitude for faithful giving?

Culture & Communication

  • How confident are we that people in our congregation feel thanked and valued for their giving?
  • How might using a resource like this film help shift the tone of our giving communications?

Practical Application

  • Where and how could we realistically use this film in our parish (e.g. PCC, APCM, service, email, website, small groups)?
  • Can we think of other ways to communicate these core messages about faithful and generous giving throughout the year, not just when we’re asking for more?

2. For use in a church where there is a screen or projector:

– During a service or sermon on generosity or mission

Use the YouTube link above or download a copy of the film to show in your church. There are two versions – one that includes the Parish Giving Scheme website on the final slide, and one without. We can also create a customised version for your parish with your own ‘how to give’ details on the final slide, and even insert a ‘thank you’ from your own vicar or volunteers at the end! Do get in touch to discuss options on giving@stalbans.anglican.org.

– At the start of a giving campaign

We can offer lots of advice and resources on planning a Giving Campaign including templates and literature, best practice advice and case studies from other parishes. Get in touch to book in a visit from our Giving Adviser on giving@stalbans.anglican.org.

– As a reflective moment on a “Generosity Sunday”

Have a look at the Generosity Week resources from the Church of England for service outlines, sermon starters and prayers for churches to adapt and use, along with promotional materials and resources to use with children and young people.

– At a PCC meeting to inspire a generosity-focused discussion

You could use some of the questions above to prompt discussions after watching the film together, using the film to help your PCC think about why people give in your context and how to shape the messages you give about giving throughout the year.

– During an APCM presentation on finance and giving

The film could be used to create a reflective moment of gratitude, helping the congregation see how faithful giving has supported your parish’s life and mission over the past year and to look ahead with hope.

3. For all churches, including those without screens or projectors:

– Email the film to your congregation

You could use the following email template:

Dear friends,

We would like to share a short film with you as a simple way of saying thank you for all that you give to the life of our parish.

The film reflects on generosity and the difference faithful giving makes in enabling ministry and mission.

Watch the film here: [Insert one of the following YouTube links:]

Thank you for your commitment, generosity, and service.

With grateful thanks,
[Name]

– Share it via your weekly newsletter or e-newsletter

You could share either the link to the film in an e-newsletter:

Or use one of the following QR codes for a printed newsletter or pew sheet:

Copy and paste this QR code if your parish does use the Parish Giving Scheme for monthly giving

Copy and paste this QR code if your parish does not use the Parish Giving Scheme for monthly giving

You could use the following words as an introduction:

“We are deeply thankful for the generosity that sustains the worship, care, and mission of our parish. This short film is shared as a way of saying thank you, and reflects on why people give and how generosity enables our ministry here in *town/village*.“

– Post the film on the parish website under “Giving” or “Supporting Us”

Use this link to embed or link to the film on your website:

You could use the following words as an introduction:

“We are deeply thankful for the generosity that sustains the worship, care, and mission of our parish. This short film is shared as a way of saying thank you, and reflects on why people give and how generosity enables ministry here.“

Make sure you also include a clear call to action – a link to your own Parish Giving Scheme page, or information on how to make a regular gift to your parish.

– Share the film on your social media channels

Copy and paste one of the following links to share the film:

Or download it above to share on social media channels.

You could use the following words as an introduction:

“Your generosity matters. Watch this short film with our thanks for all you give to support our ministry and mission here in *town/village*.“

– Share a QR code in printed materials so people can watch on their phone at home

You can copy and paste this QR code for a pew sheet or postcard:

Copy and paste this QR code if your parish does use the Parish Giving Scheme for monthly giving

Copy and paste this QR code if your parish does not use the Parish Giving Scheme for monthly giving

or contact the Giving Team for pre-printed postcards or help customising your own.

– Watch together in your hall, vicarage, or home groups

You could use some of the questions above to prompt discussions after watching the film together – see section 1.

With grateful thanks for all you give to the life and mission of your parish.

Living God, draw us deeper into your love;
Jesus our Lord, send us to care and serve;
Holy Spirit, make us heralds of good news.
Stir us, strengthen us, teach and inspire us
to live your love with generosity and joy, imagination and courage;
for the sake of your world and in the name of Jesus.
Amen. 

Lighting a candle in a church