As part of a national initiative from the Church of England, the Diocese of Worcester received 25 contactless devices for our churches last week.
Over the past few years, we have seen fewer people carrying cash, so our churches have been missing out on vital donations if they have not offered another way for people to give. This is particularly important for those who are visiting a church, either for a special service or as tourists and want to give to show their appreciation.
Over two days members of the churches getting a device visited the Lowesmoor Office to pick up their machine and have training in how to set it up and use it. This was a great opportunity to also have wider conversations about the churches and to learn about how they wanted to use the device, where they were going to put it, and how they might thank those giving donations.
Two different devices were provided, the Payaz Giving Station, which sits comfortably in a single location, and the CollecTin More, which is more portable, and in some cases will be used between multiple churches. Both also allow the same account to be used for online giving through the church’s webpage or A Church Near You page. Find out how to add a donate button on your ACNY page.
GASDS can be claimed on contactless device donations of £30 or less and online giving platforms, such as Give A Little, allow the individual to give their details so that Gift Aid can be claimed, which helps churches further.
If you would like to know more about how your church could use contactless or online giving, please contact Chris Boden, our Stewardship and Resources Officer.