Mission & Giving — St Mary’s Church, Bideford (2025/26)
Rooted in faith, branching into action: how our giving, volunteering and prayer serve Bideford and the wider world.
Why We Give
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
At St Mary’s, generous giving is part of our discipleship. We set aside a portion of our parish income and encourage personal giving of money, time and prayer—so that our compassion bears fruit locally, nationally and internationally.
2025/26 focus: alongside partner charities, your support helps our local mission—Friday Diner, Holy Grounds Café, Messy Church, children & youth work—and Project Mustard Seed, which is reshaping our building for worship and community use.
Our Mission Action Plan
1) Grow Worship that Welcomes All
We’re developing inclusive worship—traditional and contemporary—so everyone can encounter God’s love.
2) Build Stronger Community Connections
Through hospitality and projects like Mustard Seed, we’re creating flexible space for meals, courses and gatherings.
3) Deepen Discipleship & Outreach
Home groups, prayer, Alpha, schools engagement and pastoral care—equipping us to live and share the Gospel.
How You Can Help
| Give regularly | Join the Parish Giving Scheme or set up a standing order. [add link / office contact] |
|---|---|
| Volunteer | Serve with Holy Grounds Café, Friday Diner, Messy Church, or admin for international giving. |
| Pray | Pray for our partner charities, our parish ministries and for wisdom in stewardship. |
Our Partner Charities
We support a balanced mix of local, national and international partners. Below are examples of charities St Mary’s contributes to; add or adjust to reflect the current PCC list.
| Charity | Focus | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Edukid | Education & community development (e.g., Nepal). | Visit |
| Bible Society (Overseas) | Placing Scriptures where most needed. | Visit |
| Church Mission Society (CMS) | Global mission and church partnerships. | Visit |
| Christians Against Poverty (CAP) | Debt relief & financial education. | Visit |
| North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA) | Safety, refuge and advocacy. | Visit |
| Street Pastors | Pastoral care on local streets at night. | Visit |
| Harbour Bideford | Emergency shelter & outreach. | Visit |
| North Devon Hospice | Compassionate end‑of‑life care. | Visit |
| Families in Grief (FIG) | Support for bereaved children & families. | Visit |
| The Children’s Society | Support for vulnerable children. | Visit |
| A Rocha UK | Creation care & conservation. | Visit |
| Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF UK) | Flying aid to remote places. | Visit |
| Mercy Ships | Hospital ships offering free surgery. | Visit |
| STOP THE TRAFFIK | Preventing modern slavery. | Visit |
| Mind | Mental health support & advocacy. | Visit |
| SEO Dev Nepal | Education & community development. | Visit |
If your charity is within this portfolio and needs to update contact details or a project summary, please email the Parish Office.
Stewardship & Accountability
We review our giving portfolio annually through the PCC, considering local needs, global mission priorities and measurable impact. Updates are shared at the APCM and are available on request.
Thank you for your generosity. Together we live the Gospel in Bideford and beyond.
© St Mary’s Church, Bideford • Mission & Giving (2025/26)
