|
What is LWPT?
The Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust (LWPT) is a charitable organisation, formed in 2005, as the result of wide-ranging consultation, to assist preachers and leaders of worship, their widow/widowers and dependents in times of need. Its objectives are wider than those of the Methodist Local Preachers Mutual Aid Association (LPMA), which it replaces. LWPT was set up with support from the Methodist Church and the churches of the Wesleyan Reform Union, yet remains financially independent. Its resources include assets moved in 2005 from LPMA but which remain restricted to the purposes for which they were given to LPMA.
LWPHomes (formerly LPMA Homes) continue to provide widely acclaimed standards of personal care and accommodation on a permanent or short term basis. Full information and application forms are available from the LWPT Office address in this leaflet. How is LWPT funded?
LWPT income comes from:
- Regular donations from churches, local groups, fundraising events and individual supporters of LWPT
- Legacies. A leaflet on making a will in favour of LWPT is available from the LWPT Office address in this leaflet.
- Interest on Investments
Any individual or group who sends a donation to LWPT is registered as a "Friend of LWPT". All Friends receive a copy of the magazine, Ichthus. Further information on Beneficiaries and Friends of LWPT is available from the LWPT Office.
Why we need Friends
LWPT will face the challenges of the future with the help of its Friends. We are working to provide a resource where all leaders of worship and preachers can receive practical and emotional support, assistance with training and continuing development and financial help in times of need. The new trust will expand its vision to encompass all who assist in our worship the Ministers, Preachers and other leaders of worship who all support our faith and enhance our experience of coming near to God.
Anyone who makes a donation will be regarded as a Friend of LWPT. "Friends" implies goodwill, friendship and fellowship. Friends will put their trust in the caring ability of LWPT. LWPT will trust the Friends to make the vision a reality by generating income for the work. Friends will be encouraged to meet locally and share in fellowship and activities that should be fun.
There are fantastic opportunities to tell how we transform the lives of those preachers & leaders of worship with a variety of needs and so, through raising awareness, raise funds for those who might need extra help.
What exciting times of promise and hope we live in! The new trust will do everything that LPMA already does, but for many more people in imaginative new ways. This mutual trust will enable us to make our services come even more alive so that God will become a real friend through our encounters Sunday by Sunday in Church!
|
Who do we help?
At the discretion of the Trustees, we can help any leader of worship or preacher in a church whose doctrinal standards are similar to those of the Methodist Church and the Wesleyan Reform Union, whether active or retired or in training, their widow/widowers and dependents. Our ministry of care may also extend to those recognised ordained and lay people who participate in local ecumenical partnerships (LEPs).
How do we help?
We support the pastoral care of all those leading worship and preaching, their widows/widowers and dependants. We assist those in need by offering:
- advice and practical help with government or local authority benefits
- weekly allowances or occasional grants to those facing financial hardship
- care in our LWPHomes
- financial support to live in our LWPHomes or agreed partners in sheltered housing
- offering top-up funding to those living in third party care homes
We aim to support leaders of worship and preachers, in their training and continuing development, with events, resources and materials. Financial support will be considered for those who need assistance in training and carrying out their duties as leaders of worship or preachers.
Please support us
Please help us to help our leaders of worship and preachers who give so freely of their time Sunday by Sunday. We invite you to show your appreciation by becoming a Friend of the LWPT through giving us a regular gift or making a single donation. All gifts are greatly appreciated. Please sign the Gift Aid form if you can. For every £1 you give, the taxman will give us a further 28p.
The Gift Aid form is available >here<
Please also consider LWPT when making your will. Suggested wording is available from the LWPT Office.
|
